The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) said that effective June 1, Steve Madden Chairman and CEO Ed Rosenfeld will serve as the chairman of FDRA. He previously served in various leadership positions with FDRA for several years, including FDRA vice chairman.
“Footwear consumers, production, design and development, our supply chains and even the political impact on our industry is all changing now more than at any point in history. As Chairman and CEO of Steve Madden, Ed will help guide and develop FDRA as it raises its programs, products and services to drive critical information and solutions to address our industry’s challenges and opportunities,” said FDRA President Matt Priest.
Rosenfeld stated the FDRA will continue its work to eliminate footwear tariffs and policies that threaten business, and to find new ways to engage and educate the footwear industries on various topics.
“FDRA continues to be the industry’s voice in Washington, but it has also really transformed itself over the past few years into the footwear industry’s business hub for companies. That’s why it has grown substantially in numbers and clout. It’s a very exciting time to be part of FDRA and I’m excited to take the helm and help continue to expand our membership ranks and increase services to the industry,” said Rosenfeld.
President of Global Operations Group and Wolverine Heritage Group at Wolverine Worldwide, Mike Jeppesen, will serve as FDRA’s vice chairman. Shoe Carnival President and CEO Cliff Sifford replaced Jeppesen as FDRA’s treasurer.
FDRA’s most recent past chairman, Rick Muskat, principal of Deer Stags Concepts, will also serve as an Ex-Officio member of the FDRA Executive Committee.
