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Wolverine Worldwide plans to axe UK jobs at Sweaty Betty

Chloe Burney
30 March 2023

Wolverine Worldwide has announced plans to move the Sweaty Betty brand to its London-based International Group and reducing its UK workforce.

The company, which boasts an impressive portfolio including Sperry and Cat footwear, aims to "improve operating performance, fuel global growth, and enable future investments" into Sweaty Betty.

Sweaty Betty now reports into Wolverine Worldwide’s London-based International Group, which is responsible for the company’s operations outside the United States. The activewear brand was acquired by Wolverine in August 2021 and will now be overseen by the company's international group president, Isabel Soriano.

Brendan Hoffman, Wolverine Worldwide’s President and CEO, commented: "Bringing Sweaty Betty under Isabel Soriano and the International Group fits perfectly with our strategy to prioritize resources and support to the brands with the biggest global growth opportunities.

"Our regional teams have deep commercial experience in key international markets and are well-positioned to bring their sourcing, logistics, technology, and operational expertise to help accelerate Sweaty Betty’s growth."

This follows the news that Sweaty Betty's CEO Julia Straus is stepping down. Straus commented: "These decisions were not taken lightly but are necessary in order to position Sweaty Betty for long-term success."

As the company searches for a new CEO, it will be consolidating its London office space and proposing a UK workforce reduction. The exact number and roles of those under threat has not been published.

Isabel Soriano, President of Wolverine Worldwide’s International Group, added: "I am excited about the future opportunities for Sweaty Betty, leveraging the full resources and expertise of our global team to support and enable the brand’s mission to empower women around the world through fitness and beyond."

This follows the news that 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.

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