Sweaty Betty owner Wolverine Worldwide appoints new Chairman

Sperry, Sweaty Betty and Hush Puppies owner Wolverine Worldwide has appointed Tom Long, the board’s Lead Independent Director, as new Chairman, with current Chairman and former CEO Blake Krueger retiring from the board on 4 May 2023.

Long joined Wolverine Worldwide’s board in 2011 after a 30-year career that included serving as CEO of MillerCoors, LLC, CEO and Chief Marketing Officer of Miller Brewing Company, and in several senior global and marketing roles at Coca-Cola.

He was appointed Lead Independent Director of Wolverine Worldwide’s board in 2022, and previously served as Chair of the Compensation Committee.

Blake Krueger has been with Wolverine Worldwide for approximately 30 years, through a series of executive roles culminating in his appointment as CEO and board member in 2007, then as CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2010.

He retired as CEO at the end of 2021, and since then has continued to lead the company’s board of directors as Executive Chairman in 2022 and as Chairman this year.

(left to right) Blake Krueger, Tom Long

Tom Long said: “On behalf of the board of directors, I would like thank to Blake for his many years of dedication and service to the company and its shareholders.

“During his long tenure the company transformed from a traditional footwear wholesaler into a consumer-focused, global organisation with one of the world’s largest portfolios of footwear and lifestyle brands. I am honoured to succeed him as Chairman as part of our planned leadership transition.”

Brendan Hoffman, Wolverine Worldwide’s President and Chief Executive Officer, added: “I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with and learn from Blake since I joined the company in August 2020.

“I look forward to building on the strong foundation he laid and working with the world class team he assembled to elevate Wolverine Worldwide’s position as a global leader in the industry.”

Wolverine Worldwide also today announced the appointment of Stacia Andersen, Jodi Bricker, and DeMonty Price to its board of Directors.

Additionally, David McCreight, a Director since 2019, has announced his resignation from Wolverine’s board of directors, effective May 4 2023, in order to devote his full time and attention to his role as Executive Chairman of Lulu’s Fashion Lounge Holdings, Inc.