Standard Merchandising Co. named John McNally as president of Fox River Mills Inc. and chief manufacturing officer of Standard Merchandising Co.
Fox River manufactures technical socks for outdoor, snow, work, military sport and everyday, while Standard Merchandising Co. focuses on boutique luxury, novelty and team sport socks under its umbrella of five brands.
McNally will work closely with the outgoing presidents of each brand throughout 2017 to ensure a smooth transition. “I look forward to working with both John Lessard from Fox River and Jeff Tarnoff from Standard Merchandising who each have 40 years of expertise to share,” he said.
McNally became familiar with the Fox River brand while serving three tours in Afghanistan. “I learned the real value that a good pair of socks provides while I was deployed,” said McNally. “After a 20-mile ruck march, you know quickly which socks wear well, and those were my Fox River socks.”
McNally is a decorated military officer receiving seven honors of distinction, including the Bronze Star in 2004 as part of his service as a Commander of Special Forces.
“John’s experience leading groups of people, in all walks of his life, will help grow Fox River and Standard Merchandising Co.,” said Laura Johnson, CEO of Standard Merchandising Co. “His expertise in operational efficiency will enable us to meet the demands of today’s changing consumer and retail markets while holding onto our quality.”
As a native Midwesterner, McNally will return to the Osage, IA area where he will be based starting February 1, 2017. He joins the company along with new additions to its leadership roster including outdoor industry veteran Bruce Barrows as VP of business development and Laiea Smith as VP of digital strategy, among others.
Photos courtesy Fox River
