Keen hires former Nike exec as new VP
US footwear brand Keen has hired Ron Hill, who worked more than two decades at Nike, as its vice president of merchandising, a new position.
Mr Hill is expected to improve Keen’s sales in retail outlets and elevate its profile in North America and internationally. Mr Hill said he needs to spend some time with the company before talking about its merchandising strategy.
Mr Hill spent 26 years at Nike, ending in 2007 as vice president of global footwear. He also worked in footwear global merchandising and western regional sales.
“As a young company, we’ve grown up really, really fast,” said chief executive James Curleigh. “We’ve reached the spot where the notion of divide and conquer is very real.”
Mr Curleigh was referring to the need to hire Mr Hill, who will collaborate with three other vice presidents: Kelly Wallrich, who heads product design and development; Russ Hopcus, sales and market development; and Phyllis Grove, marketing.
