Wolverine World Wide, Inc. has appointed footwear industry veteran Mike Maloney as its new chief product officer for the Wolverine Worldwide Workwear Group. He will spearhead product development, merchandise strategy and market expansion initiatives for all brands in the Workwear Group (Wolverine, CAT Footwear, Bates, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Merrell Work, and Hytest).
“I’m excited to join the team at Wolverine Worldwide during such a pivotal moment for the organization,” said Maloney. “The direction we are taking in product innovation and brand strategy aligns seamlessly with my vision of creating footwear that truly enhances the lives of our consumers. I look forward to leveraging my extensive experience to elevate our Work Group Brands and develop cutting-edge solutions for the dedicated individuals who depend on our footwear every day as well as create demand-driving products that allow us to reach new consumers.”
Maloney reportedly has over 19 years of footwear industry experience, having worked at Adidas, Under Armour, Columbia Sportswear, and Designer Brands.
“A seasoned product expert, he possesses a unique blend of merchandising, product development and design, and marketing expertise, enabling him to approach product strategy from multiple angles,” the company said in a media release. “Due to his leadership in global categories and deep understanding of licensing, Maloney is prepared to navigate the complexities of the footwear market effectively.”
Maloney reports directly to Tom Kennedy, president of Wolverine Worldwide Work Group.
“Mike’s expertise will be instrumental in driving our Work Group vision forward, enabling us to maximize our portfolio approach through his expertise across merchandising, product innovation, and strategy,” said Kennedy. “Additionally, Mike’s consumer-first approach and experience in casual and athletic brands will advance our ability to grow in adjacent categories, most prominently lifestyle.”
Images courtesy Wolverine Worldwide Work Group
