Tom Nelson, president of ECCO USA, will be promoted to Regional Director of ECCO Americas as of January 1, 2007. In addition to his ongoing responsibilities as ECCO USA president, Nelson’s new role will include serving as Chairman of ECCO Canada’s Board of Directors and overseeing growth of the ECCO business in Mexico.

“This appointment recognizes Tom’s outstanding leadership in the United States and the excellent results achieved by the U.S. team,” said Hanni Toosbuy Kasprzak. “We look forward to working very closely with Tom for many years to come.”

Nelson joined ECCO USA as vice president of sales in August of 2003, and was promoted to president of ECCO, USA in August of 2005. Since 2003, ECCO USA has seen double digit growth and has expanded sales and retail operations in the U.S.

“Connecting the United States, Canada and Mexico under focused leadership will enhance our ability to maximize brand growth,” said Mikael Thinghuus, ECCO Group COO. “Tom Nelson's history of success makes him the clear choice for this new position. In addition, the combination of Tom's high level of professional capability with a direct, open and friendly character makes him a great member of ECCO's worldwide senior management team. ECCO is and will remain a family-owned company, so it takes more than just business skills to fit in. Tom has demonstrated that he's not just a very good businessman, but, as importantly, a person of high integrity and clear personal values.”

Prior to joining ECCO, Nelson held senior executive positions at brands including: Stride Rite, Converse, Rockport and G.H. Bass & Company.