After completing a two-year commitment as President at KEEN Inc., Kirk Richardson is to be named the Chief of Corporate Social Responsibility reporting to the KEEN Board of Directors.
Richardson will focus on expanding the company's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability efforts, both in its manufacturing and product development process, as well as building corporate alliances with industry and community partners. KEEN is currently affiliated with a number of different organizations such as GRI, FLA and SA8000.
“Our intent is to become a more transparent brand and this is a continuation of our Corporate Social Responsibility journey and represents a very important step forward for our company and for the industry,” stated Richardson.
As a Board member of the Conservation Alliance and Oregon Natural Dessert Association, Richardson is recognized in the outdoor industry for his commitment and passion for protecting environment and guiding the KEEN focus on
Under Richardson's leadership, KEEN experienced two years of continuous and impressive growth with its U.S. business growing over 70%, while the international business (Europe, Canada, America's, and Asia Pacific) experienced an increase of over 97%. Additionally, during his tenure, the company successfully launched Hybrid.Transport, a collection of hybrid bags built on repurposing materials from its footwear manufacturing and launched its line of Hybrid.Sox. He also oversaw the seamless move from Alameda, California to Portland, Oregon in 2006.
