Birkenstock said in a statement that Dan Bazinet, CEO of Birkenstock USA, has left the company to pursue new opportunities. He had only assumed the position in September 2008

Karl-Bernd Bremer, a managing director for Birkenstock Germany, has been named CEO to oversee all American operations.

Tom Suiter, a spokesman for Birkenstock, said that “after assessing all facets of the organization, the owners want to take a
different course of action with leadership roles and responsibilities.”
Bremer has worked with the Birkenstock family for over a decade and
will now split his responsibilities and time between Germany and
Northern California.

Also, Jay McGregor, the former VP of sales in the U.S. and Canada for The Coleman Co., has
become VP of sales and marketing, a new position. McGregor also worked for Spyder, Teva and adidas. He
will report directly to Bremer in Germany, and he begins on
September 4. .

The spokesman also  noted that Birkenstock
“has enjoyed great success in the past year and we remain committed to
growing our business and strengthening our retail partnerships through
our Fall/Winter and Spring 2010 line.”

Bazinet's past positions included owner/president of Overland Trading Co., VP/GM Men's Casual and Kids Footwear, Timberland; VP/West Coast Sales, Timberland;  director of US Business, Sioux GMBH and principal of Full Scope Management Consulting.