KEEN Footwear has promoted Jim Van Dine to president of the company, effective immediately. Van Dine will report to Angel Martinez, vice-chairman and chief executive officer. Van Dine previously held the title of vice president/general manager.
Since joining KEEN as vice president of sales and marketing shortly after the company’s launch in 2003, Van Dine has been a key player in the company’s strong financial and operational growth, catapulting KEEN to the forefront of its industry with the launch of more than 100 innovative new products in the outdoor footwear category in more than 70 countries. Such tremendous achievement marks KEEN as one of the most successful footwear launches in the past ten years.
“Jim and I have been colleagues in the industry and friends since we first started working together at Runner’s World in the late 70’s,” said KEEN CEO Angel Martinez. ” I am tremendously proud to announce Jim’s appointment to president as he embodies KEEN’s commitment not just to superior, innovative products, but also to KEEN’s core values of diversity, honesty and excellence in the workplace. Jim has been a pivotal, driving force behind many of these initiatives and his experience, intellect, energy and passion, both for our product and our commitment to being a company with a conscience, will serve us well in the years to come.”
As president of KEEN Footwear, Van Dine will oversee all activities relating to the day-to-day operations of the company and will continue to lead the management team. He will also work closely to support Angel as he drives the strategic direction and the creative development of the KEEN brand, both domestically and internationally. “Angel is more than a close friend and business partner. He is a true visionary and has a brilliant marketing mind. I appreciate the recognition that this appointment represents and look forward to continuing to work closely with Angel to develop and realize the Keen brand vision,” said Van Dine.
With more than 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, Van Dine brings both depth and breadth of experience to the position. His background includes a variety of executive positions in marketing, sales and business development in the footwear industry, including a 12-year run as one of the first employees at Reebok. After several years in Reebok’s marketing department, Van Dine shifted to sales where he eventually became Regional Vice President for the Western U.S. In the early 90’s, he left the footwear industry for a few years and served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Zildjian – a leader in the musical instrument industry. In1995, he joined Deckers Outdoor as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, overseeing all three brands: Teva, Simple and Ugg. Van Dine also worked with Vans as Vice President, Field Sales from 2001 – 2003, before leaving to help launch the KEEN Footwear brand in the spring of 2003.
Van Dine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Boise State University. He resides in Alameda, California with his wife Anne and daughter, Ginny. A former member of the United States National Cross Country Team, he still jogs and also plays guitar in a local blues band.
