Original Footwear Company gets new CEO
Tennessee-based tactical footwear manufacturer Original Footwear Company (OFC) has announced the appointment of Mark Cavanaugh to the role of chief executive, replacing founder Kevin Cole.
Owned by private equity firm Brand Velocity Group, OFC is the US Department of Defense’s largest contractual supplier of its kind when it comes to US-made equipment. Its brand portfolio encompasses Altama combat boots, Original SWAT tactical boots and Capps uniform shoes.
Mr Cavanaugh’s career history includes stints at companies including Nike, New Balance, Bauer Hockey and Under Armour. He specialised in cleated footwear at Nike and in sports shoes at Under Armour.
Most recently, the executive spent around two years as a partner at creative agency Soldier Unlimited, where previous clients have included Canada Goose and Kane Footwear. In his new role, Mr Cavaunaugh will look to not only boost growth across OFC’s core tactical, law enforcement and first responder customer base, but also forge fresh partnerships with domestic retailers where its footwear may have crossover appeal, the company said.
Founder and managing partner at Brand Velocity Group, Steve Lebowitz, commented: “Mark’s experience as an executive at top global brands has yielded incredible results for each team he has led. Our investors and strategic partners are confident that his enthusiasm, expertise and relationships will help drive OFC to new heights.”
Mr Cole, who will remain on the firm’s board of directors, added: “I am proud of what our team has built over the last two decades and I could not be more excited to welcome Mark to spearhead this next phase of growth.”
Image: Altama via Instagram.
