Rocky Brands, Inc. announced that it will implement the company's leadership succession plan by promoting president and chief operating officer David Sharp, age 55, to president and chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2011. Current chief executive officer and chairman of the board Mike Brooks, age 64, will continue to serve as executive chairman of the board.

“I am very pleased that David Sharp has been chosen to be our next president and chief executive officer,” commented Brooks. “Having worked together for more than a decade, I'm very familiar with his many strengths and capabilities and I'm extremely confident that he is the right person for the job. With David taking over the day to day responsibilities of running the company, I will have more time to focus on our longer-term strategic goals and to work with our key customers, vendors, investors, and other stakeholders. I look forward to working closely with David over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition. I am also excited about my new role and believe we have the right pieces in place to build our market position in the years to come.”

David Sharp, age 55, joined Rocky Brands in June 2000 and has served as President and Chief Operating Officer since January 2005. He was elected to the Board of Directors in May 2010. Prior to that Sharp held increasing positions of responsibility with the Company, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (March 2002 – January 2005), Senior Vice President – Sales and Operations (June 2001 – March 2002), Vice President of Sales and Marketing (October 2000 – June 2001), and Vice President of Manufacturing Operations and Marketing (June 2000 – October 2000). Sharp has been engaged in the footwear industry for his entire career. Prior to joining Rocky Brands, Mr. Sharp held various senior management, sales and marketing positions with H.H. Brown, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire-Hathaway Inc., Acme Boot Co., and Converse, Inc.

Brooks added that “David has played an important role in diversifying the company's product lines and distribution channels, restructuring the retail division, and overseeing international expansion initiatives. He has been actively engaged in virtually every aspect of the company's business over the past 10 years, and is very well regarded by our associates, customers and vendors.”

“I am honored to serve as steward of Rocky Brands,” said Sharp. “Mike has accomplished an incredible amount during his 35 year career with the company, including the past 18 years as chief executive officer of Rocky as a public company. Under Mike's leadership Rocky has evolved into an innovative leader in the footwear industry that today operates an exciting portfolio of well recognized brands. I am excited to continue collaborating with Mike as we write the next chapter in this company's long and storied history.”