The Stride Rite Corporation has appointed Mark Cocozza to the company's board of directors effective May 25, pursuant to an agreement with a group of investors led by Barington Capital Group, L.P.

Mr Cocozza brings more than 30 years of footwear industry experience to Stride Rite's Board. From 1998 to 2004, he served as chairman and CEO of Maxwell Shoe Company, Inc., a designer and marketer of casual and dress shoes for men, women and children under well-known labels including AK Anne Klein, Joan and David, Dockers and Mootsies Tootsies. He also served as Maxwell's chief operating officer from 1994 to 1998 and brand president from 1987 to 1994. Prior to joining Maxwell, Mr Cocozza spent 16 years at Stride Rite serving in a number of managerial positions, including president of its Sperry Top-Sider division.

He currently serves as chairman of Modern Shoe Co. and is a trustee of Lawrence General Hospital. He holds a BA from Lowell Technical Institute and an MBA from Suffolk University.