DeFeet International, Inc. hired Lynn Moretz to be the company’s new president and CEO effective Jan. 2, 2007. Shane Cooper, President and Founder of DeFeet, has headed the company since its inception. Cooper will remain in his current position at DeFeet as Chairman.

Dr. Moretz brings considerable knowledge and experience to DeFeet, having served as Vice-President for Operations, then as President of Thorlo from 1983-1991. He also co-founded and served as CEO of a private research and development company, focused on the creation of special moisture-management fabrics and products. Since 1998 Moretz has served as a professor of international business at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, N.C.

Moretz has been affiliated with DeFeet since September, 2001, serving as a business consultant and heading up international distribution. During that period, DeFeet’s international business has grown dramatically, with significant new distribution in Europe and Asia.

“In our search, it became very clear that Lynn Moretz was the right person for the job,” Cooper said. “In our industry, there are few people who possess the market, product, and business knowledge that Lynn does. We are thrilled to have him on board full time.”

Cooper also sees the opportunity to apply himself in new ways. “I started DeFeet as a product visionary,” he stated. “That’s where I want my head to be. What I enjoy most is connecting with the people and stores that are participating in and serving the sports that we're about.”

Commenting on his background, Moretz stated, “For much of the past 25 years, I have enjoyed the best of both college teaching and manufacturing/exporting. To succeed in today’s global economy, growing businesses can benefit from that combination of educator-leader, and I look forward to that role at DeFeet.”

Moretz continues, “In my five years of consulting with DeFeet, it has been deeply gratifying to see the brand increasingly recognized around the world for quality, technical performance and style. DeFeet truly is a unique company, with outstanding employees who care about our worldwide customers. I’m delighted to be working with them now-full time-to help grow and strengthen this United States-based manufacturer and exporter.”