Barry T. Ryan, has joined Fletcher Ltd., as Vice President of Sales and Marketing with immediate responsibilities to spearhead their new sales, marketing, and product development campaign.
Fletcher Ltd., the US distributor for Blundstone footwear of Australia, Helix footwear of Germany, and owner of JiBS USA and Undertow USA, sees the merger as a major step in the right direction.
“We had the opportunity to work with Barry for the past six years,” said Terry Fletcher, President and owner of Fletcher Ltd. “Now we have full-time access to his intensely high level of sales and marketing skill, and his vast knowledge of the footwear industry. Hes an invaluable asset.”
Ryans history in the footwear industry is extensive, to say the least. He brings to Fletcher 11 years of experience with adidas, nine years with Josef Seibel and most recently, 11 years with Vans.
“Weve barely scratched the surface,” said Ryan, commenting on the planned expansion of brands at Fletcher. “I believe the opportunity with all of the Fletcher lines is phenomenal.”
Ryan notes that the Fletcher Ltd. brands offer something many other competitive companies cannot. “There is great growth potential with Blundstone, stemming from their fascinating Australian heritage and authenticity.”
“Blundstone is not like other companies,” Ryan added. “With so many shoes coming out of the Orient these days, it seems the only way to differentiate between brands is by the color of the box theyre shipped in. From my perspective, Blundstone will have huge growth in the next 24 months.”
According to Fletcher, Ryans 20-plus-years of experience with athletic and comfort shoe companies gives Fletcher Ltd. not only a great opportunity to expand existing brands, but also to seek out new ones. The opportunities at Fletcher Ltd. and the experience of Ryan are a perfect match. The upcoming season, according to Ryan, will set the pace for things to come.
