Performance running brand Saucony, Inc, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc has appointed Mary (Creedon) OBrien to the role of vice president of marketing and promoted Pete Calichman to vice president of national accounts.
“As we continue our next stage of growth, both of these individuals bring not only a seasoned strategic dimension and consumer focus to our brand-building, but an approach that is collaborative and team-centric,” said Woodworth.
In her new position, OBrien will spearhead the strategy and execution for all brand-related marketing programs for Saucony footwear and apparel, including advertising, promotions and brand partnerships. Calichmans focus will be to continue to manage and develop the sales efforts and relationships with the brands national accounts.
“Mary is a seasoned and poised marketing executive whos a well-known and respected player in the running industry,” said Woodworth. “Her extensive strategy, marketing and product development expertise will be invaluable as we continue to amplify the Saucony footwear and apparel brand,” added Woodworth.
This appointment marks a return for OBrien to Saucony, having launched her sports marketing career with the brand nearly twenty years ago. Prior to her new role with Saucony, OBrien spent 15 years at Reebok International, holding several senior level positions in U.S. marketing, product development and sales, as well as international sales and marketing roles based in Europe. In between assignments with Reebok, OBrien served as vice president of product for womens athletic footwear brand Ryka, a subsidiary of American Sporting Goods Corporation.
Most recently, OBrien was a marketing consultant with The First Years, Inc., one of the world's leading developers and marketers of products in the juvenile industry, achieving market share growth for the brand through new product introductions and promotions.
OBrien has both a B.S. and MBA from the University of Massachusetts in Boston.
“Im very excited to return to Saucony, joining a company of runners that are passionate and dedicated to giving other runners the best experience possible,” said OBrien.
“This is an exciting time to join Saucony, which is rapidly growing its presence as a leader in the performance running marketplace,” she added.
Pete Calichman also began his career with the Saucony brand, holding positions of increasing responsibility in the companys sales department over the past 15 years. Most recently, Calichman served as senior director of corporate accounts, managing Sauconys domestic sales relationships with Dicks Sporting Goods, Finish Line, TSA, Journeys, Big 5, and DSW, among others. Calichman is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire.
“Petes conscientious approach and his ability to execute have earned him the trust of his customers and the Saucony team,” said Woodworth. ”
“I am very proud to have been part of the Saucony brand for the past 15 years,” said Calichman. “I look forward to deepening my ties with the brand even further, building upon this teams accomplishments as we accelerate into our next phase of growth.”
