Wolverine names president of Sperry Top-Sider and Keds

Footwear retailer and distributor Wolverine Worldwide has appointed a new president

of its Sperry Top-Sider and Keds brands as it looks to “significantly strengthen” the company's management team.

Effective immediately, Rick Blackshaw has been promoted to president of Sperry Top-Sider, and Chris Lindner has been promoted to president of Keds. This move means that both men will be switching brands, as Blackshaw served most recently as president of Keds, while Lindner was chief marketing officer and senior vice president of business development for Sperry Top-Sider.

"Rick Blackshaw is a dynamic, strategic leader with an unrivalled passion for brands and consumers," said Blake W. Krueger, chairman, CEO, and president of Wolverine Worldwide. "What Rick and team have been able to do with the Keds brand is nothing short of remarkable, and the company is pleased to have such a proven and energized executive leading our second largest brand, Sperry Top-Sider."

Commenting on Lindner’s move, Krueger added: "Chris Lindner has a diverse brand background building iconic, global brands including Saucony, Converse and Nike. We expect that his absolute passion for consumer engagement will help drive the continued global expansion of Keds, whose recent growth has been led by Brave Girl #1, Taylor Swift."

It is hoped that Blackshaw’s move to Sperry Top-Sider will establish the footwear brand into a global lifestyle brand, while Lindner has been tasked with pushing the Keds growth forward.