Danish brand Ecco hired Joel Russo as performance division territory manager, South.

An Ecco employee for 15 years, Russo most recently served as Southeast Territory Manager for the Comfort and Style collection. He will now be responsible for leveraging the Ecco brand to build a significant presence of high quality distribution among premier retailers in relevant sport channels across Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Based in Cape Coral, FL, Russo has a strong background in customer service and merchandising, including more than a decade managing relationships with national retailers such as Nordstrom, Macy’s and Dillard’s, as well as top independents like Peltz, Happy Feet and Philip’s.

“Joel has extensive experience and knowledge of sales and account management and is poised to help us continue growing in the sport channel,” says Erik Walcott, General Manager of Performance, Ecco USA. “In particular, his professional relationships and understanding of Ecco culture will help us thrive in the southern states.”  

Prior to joining Ecco, Russo spent eight years as a department manager and buyer at Nordstrom.

All shoes in the 2014 Ecco Performance Collection feature the Direct-injection Process. This highly technical manufacturing method is performed at Ecco-owned factories and creates a chemical bond between the outsole and upper that is permanently sealed and does not require glue or stitching. The benefits include enhanced durability along with exceptional flexibility, cushioning and shock-absorption.