Keen footwear names Casey Sheahan as president

Outdoor footwear company Keen has named Casey Sheahan as its next president, as the brand looks to continue investing and building for the future.

Bringing 35 plus years of outdoor industry experience, Sheahan succeeds outgoing president Steve Meineke, who will retire in mid-November and remain an active Keen advisory council member.

Sheahan most recently serves as president and chief executive of Patagonia, where he led the company through its most successful phase in its history, tripling the business and significantly increasing the brand’s support for environmental and sustainability causes. Prior to that he held various roles at Kelty, Merrell and Nike.

“Keen is the only brand I considered coming out of my post Patagonia fly fishing sabbatical for,” said Sheahan. “It’s an incredible opportunity to join a family-based company that is authentically disrupting the status quo, leading through its guiding principles and actions. I’m energised to relocate to the Pacific Northwest and join a talented team to help the brand realise it’s full potential in the global marketplace.”

Meineke, who has help Keen grow over the past three years, added: "We are thrilled to bring on such an experienced and respected leader to help meet the demands of our growing business and to perpetuate our values.

“There is no other leader more qualified to take over the helm at Keen. I am confident that Casey will continue to build upon Keen’s momentum and do tremendous things for the brand and the team.”

Aside from strengthening Keen’s global brand position, business operations, product focus, and global awareness, Sheahan’s hire continues the footwear brand’s dedication to propelling the brand forward. He will be responsible for leading the company to expand its global fan base through innovative product collections and through environmentally-focused efforts like its highly successful Live Monumental campaign, a movement to protect 3 million acres of public lands, as well as the Keen Effect programme, a global grant program for non-profits who are dedicated to protecting the places we play.

Sheahan is Keen’s fifth high-profile hire in the last year. In the past 12 months, the company has appointed John Eberle as general manager of outdoor, lifestyle and kids, Tyler LaMotte as vice president, global brand marketing, Christy Saito as vice president, global product merchandising, outdoor and lifestyle, and Rob Langstaff as vice president, international.