Payless ShoeSource hired Scott Ramsland as senior vice president, general merchandising manager, international, reporting to Matt Rubel, chief executive officer and president, Payless.


Ramsland, who began in this role earlier this week, will lead the team responsible for the product direction and overall merchandising strategy for Payless' presence in international markets. Through a variety of alliances such as joint ventures and others, Payless currently has stores in Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.


“Scott has a rich product and merchandising history in both the footwear and general retail industries, having served for nearly three decades at Macy's, May, Federated, Brown Shoe Company and Rack Room Shoes, among others,” said Rubel. “We are thrilled Scott is joining our team to focus his talents and leadership in our expanding international presence with targeted, on-trend products and innovative merchandising initiatives.”


Most recently, since 2003, Ramsland served as senior vice president, general merchandising manager at Rack Room Shoes. Prior, from 1998 to 2002, he served as vice president and divisional merchandise manager at Carson Pirie Scott and from 1993 to 1997 as vice president and national sales manager for the Life Stride Brand at Brown Shoe Company. From 1990 to 1992 he was with Federated Department Stores as vice president, division merchandise manager at Rich's Division and just prior served in the same role for the Jordan Marsh Boston Division of Federated. From 1988 to 1989 he was with May Co. as vice president, divisional merchandise manager, Famous Barr Division, and from 1983 to 1987 he served in various roles including buyer and store manager for Macy's Atlanta Store Group. Ramsland began his career at Allied Stores and holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana.