Wolverine Worldwide, which operates one of the world’s largest portfolios of footwear and lifestyle brands, has announced Brendan Hoffman, president and a member of the company’s board of directors, as the chief executive officer by the end of the year. Hoffman will succeed Blake Krueger, who will assume the newly created role of executive chairman.
Hoffman joined Wolverine Worldwide as president in September 2020 with oversight of the company’s brands and direct to consumer business, reporting directly to Krueger. Hoffman’s initial focus has been pursuing growth initiatives across Wolverine Worldwide’s brands and digital operations, with one of his primary objectives being to drive the company’s bold e-commerce revenue goal of $500 million for 2021, doubling 2019 levels. Over the past nine months, Krueger and Hoffman have worked together closely to leverage the global power of the Wolverine brand portfolio, navigate the impacts of COVID-19, and strategically position the company and its brands for accelerated post-pandemic growth and continued long-term success, the company said in a press release.Wolverine Worldwide, which operates one of the world's largest portfolios of footwear and lifestyle brands, has announced Brendan Hoffman, president and a member of the company's board of directors, as the chief executive officer by the end of the year. Hoffman will succeed Blake Krueger, who will assume the newly created role of executive chairman.#
Before joining Wolverine Worldwide, Hoffman was CEO of Vince Holding, a publicly traded, global contemporary fashion brand. While at Vince, he significantly increased the growth and penetration of the company’s e-commerce and digital platforms, adapted Vince’s vertical supply chain to embrace ‘buy now/wear now’ trends, and extended the brand into new consumer categories.
Under Krueger’s leadership as CEO, Wolverine Worldwide has transformed from a traditional footwear wholesaler into a consumer-obsessed, digital-focused growth company with one of the world’s largest portfolios of footwear and lifestyle brands. He led the company’s game-changing acquisitions of the Merrell, Saucony, Sperry, Stride Rite, Keds, and Chaco brands, opening up new market segments and consumer territories. During his tenure the company expanded its international distribution to more than 170 countries and territories, increased revenue to well over $2 billion and market capitalisation by 30-fold, and grew the brand portfolio into a global industry-leading powerhouse, according to Wolverine Worldwide. As executive chairman, Krueger will continue to lead Wolverine Worldwide’s board of directors and will partner with Hoffman on key international and strategic initiatives.
“I would like to thank Blake and the board for their support and the opportunity to lead Wolverine Worldwide into its next phase of global growth. It’s been a privilege to work closely with Blake over the past year and I have gained tremendous knowledge of the industry and the unique strengths of the company’s global brand portfolio. Blake has truly transformed the company during his tenure, and it is an honour to be entrusted with building on this incredible foundation, working with an industry-leading team, and capitalising on the many opportunities ahead for Wolverine Worldwide. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we step into our new roles,” Hoffman said in a statement.
“It has been an honour and privilege to serve Wolverine Worldwide for the past 28 years, working with and helping to build an amazing and impactful global team, brand portfolio, and footwear and lifestyle mainstay. I look forward to continuing my work with Wolverine Worldwide and the board in my new role as executive chairman. I am confident that the company is in great hands and will have continued growth as Hoffman takes over as the new CEO,” Krueger said.
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