Red Wing Shoe Company names new CEO

Red Wing Shoe Company (RWSC) has announced Allison Gettings as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2023.

Gettings, who is currently President of RWSC, will assume the role of CEO following the planned retirement of Mark Urdahl, who has served as the company's CEO since 2016.

Gettings will become the 10th CEO and first woman to lead Red Wing Shoe Company since it was founded in 1905. She has worked at the company for 14 years in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities.

During her time at the company, Gettings spearheaded the launch of Red Wing's Women's Heritage product line, reimagined the company's outdoor business as President of its Vasque brand and helped deliver a new omnichannel customer experience.

In her most recent position as president, Gettings established the company's first dedicated corporate social responsibility department, which is focused on further advancing Red Wing Shoe Company's commitments to the environment and the community.

Bill Sweasy, Chairman of Red Wing Shoe Company, commented: "Allison is the right choice to lead Red Wing and build upon the important work that Mark has led to position the company for the future. She brings a deep understanding of the company's business, customers and values, having worked across many different functions over more than a decade at the company.

"She's widely respected for her strategic thinking and ability to bring people together, and I am confident that she's prepared to guide Red Wing Shoe Company as it enters its next chapter. I also want to thank Mark for his many contributions and leadership over the past 18 years, including the past seven as CEO/President during an unprecedented time amid the global pandemic."

Allison Gettings added: "I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead Red Wing Shoe Company and excited about what the future holds. I am so grateful for the support and guidance Mark has provided me, and I look forward to working with the high-performing teams he has built as we accelerate our growth."