Saucony, Inc. named Susan Dooley its vice president of marketing and promoted Sharon Barbano to vice president of public relations. Both Dooley and Barbano will also oversee marketing and public relations, respectively, for technical apparel brand Hind, also a subsidiary of Stride Rite. Effective immediately, Dooley and Barbano will report directly to Richie Woodworth, president of the Saucony and Hind brands.
“Sue and Sharon's appointments are a direct reflection of both Saucony and Hind's ongoing commitment to brand building,” said Woodworth. “They each bring the depth, knowledge and experience of an influential industry veteran to the brand, which will help us to continue to expand Saucony's presence in the marketplace,” he added.
Dooley brings with her nearly 20 years of leadership in sports and consumer marketing. Most recently, she served as vice president of marketing for Sperry Top-Sider, leading the company to 20 consecutive quarters of sales growth while furthering the brand's commitment to the performance market and specialty channel. Prior to her role with Sperry, she held high level marketing positions with Ryka, Clarks, and Warnaco. In her new position, Dooley will oversee the strategy and execution for all brand-related marketing programs for Saucony and Hind, including advertising, promotions and brand partnerships Dooley is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire.
“We are really excited to have Sue join the Saucony team during this critical time of brand growth,” said Woodworth. “Her depth of marketing experience, especially her expertise in brand building, will enable us to accelerate our marketing efforts for both Saucony and Hind,” he added.
Barbano has been a key player in sports marketing and media relations for over two decades. During the past three years, she has directed Saucony's public relations efforts, helping to evolve and strengthen the brand both internally and externally. Prior to Saucony, Barbano was Reebok's group director for Women's Global Marketing.
A former world-class runner, Barbano is lead analyst for WBZ Radio's award-winning coverage of the Boston Marathon. Moving forward, Barbano will continue to be responsible for a strategy-driven public relations plan that aligns with Saucony's business goals. She will also serve as the brand's main spokesperson. Barbano is a graduate of Gettysburg College and holds an M.Ed. from Springfield College.
“Sharon has done and will continue to do an outstanding job for both Saucony and Hind, building brand credibility, generating awareness and positioning the brands as technical leaders,” said Woodworth. “Sharon's experience and credibility within the running industry puts her in a tremendous position to tell our brand's performance stories,” added Woodworth.
