Thornton Takes President’s Post at Stride Rite; Adds Woodworth to Run Hilfiger

The Stride Rite Corporation has announced that Richie Woodworth has joined the Company as President of Tommy Hilfiger Footwear. He will report to the company’s newly appointed President and Chief Operating Officer, Richard T. Thornton.

Mr. Thornton will report to David M. Chamberlain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Rick will assume general management responsibility for Keds, Sperry Top~Sider, Stride Rite Children’s Group, Tommy Hilfiger Footwear, International and Sourcing.

Mr. Thornton, age 50, joined Stride Rite in 1998 as Senior Vice President, Finance & Operations in the Tommy Hilfiger Footwear division. He has held the role of President, Tommy Hilfiger Footwear for the last three years.

David M. Chamberlain (60), commented, “Rick has done an outstanding job building our Tommy Hilfiger Footwear team and business. His proven skills and abilities will add tremendous value in leading our operating units.”

Rick has previously held executive level positions at Reebok International, LTD. and at Boston Whaler. He holds a BS from the College of the Holy Cross and a MBA from Boston College.

Rick commented, “I am very excited about the opportunity that David Chamberlain and the Board of Directors have afforded me. I look forward to working with all Stride Rite associates towards making our Company an even greater force in the footwear industry and in the community.”

Mr. Woodworth was previously President of National Hockey League Enterprises, were he was responsible for all non-team activities of the league. Prior to that role, he was President and CEO of the Greg Norman Collection, a division of Reebok International, LTD. for eight years. Richie also held senior sales and marketing roles in several athletic companies.

Richie was a member of the US Ski Team from 1973 – 1976, and the top ranked American on the World Ski Tour for several years before he began his business career.

Rick Thornton, Stride Rite’s President and COO commented, “I am pleased that someone with Richie’s background and abilities is joining our organization. I am confident that Richie is the right person to continue to grow the Tommy Hilfiger licensed footwear business.”