Red Wing Shoe Company announced that its board of directors had named Allison Gettings president and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2023.
Gettings is the great-granddaughter of J.R. Sweasy, who was president and CEO from 1921 to 1949 and the first fourth-generation family member to run the company.
Gettings, who is currently president, will assume the CEO role following the planned retirement of Mark Urdahl, who has been CEO since 2016.
Gettings has worked at Red Wing Shoe Company for 14 years in various roles with increasing responsibilities, including spearheading the launch of its Women’s Heritage line, reimagining its Outdoor business as president of its Vasque brand and helping develop Red Wing’s omnichannel strategy.
In her most recent position as president, Gettings established the company’s first dedicated corporate social responsibility department focused on further advancing the company’s commitments to the environment and the community.
“Allison is the right choice to lead Red Wing and build upon the important work that Mark has led to position the company for the future,” said Chairman of the Board Bill Sweasy. “She brings a deep understanding of the company’s business, customers and values, having worked across many different functions over more than a decade at the company. She’s widely respected for her strategic thinking and ability to bring people together, and I am confident that she’s prepared to guide Red Wing Shoe Company as it enters its next chapter. I also want to thank Mark for his many contributions and leadership over the past 18 years, including the past seven as CEO/President during an unprecedented time amid the global pandemic.”
Red Wing Shoe Company’s brands include Red Wing Shoes, Irish Setter, Vasque, WORX, and S.B. Foot Tanning Company.
Photo courtesy Red Wing Shoe Company
