KEEN Appoints New Head of Europe

KEEN Inc., announced the appointment of John Jansen to the newly created position of General Manager for KEEN Europe. In 2008, KEEN prioritized Europe by setting up their new European HQ in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The next step was to find a Leader to take responsibility for setting up the future.

“Europe has been prioritized as a key growth region for KEEN and we now have the Leader in place to set up both the brand and the business for future success”, says James Curleigh, President & CEO of KEEN. “John has already engaged his proven experience, leadership ability, and market understanding to move KEEN in the right direction. John will also be a great addition to the Global Management Team.”

John joins KEEN with almost 20 years of industry experience across a number of leadings brands like O’Neill, Nike, and Converse. Most recently, John was the VP of Commerce for O’Neill in Europe where he was responsible for strategic development, organization evolution, and channel management in both wholesale & retail. As well, he was responsible for managing multiple countries in terms of subsidiaries, distributors, and agents across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

John has also held various leadership positions at Nike and Converse where he was involved with many areas of the business that included Business Unit Management, Sales, and Marketing across Europe.

“I’m really excited to join the KEEN team. It’s great to be part of a young, entrepreneurial organization that is committed to further develop the brand in Europe”, says John Jansen

In his new role as the Head of KEEN Europe, John will take full responsibility for the Brand, the Business, and the Team in Europe. He will be based in the KEEN Europe HQ office in Rotterdam. John will report directly to the President & CEO (J. Curleigh), but will work across the KEEN ‘matrix’ to create & execute a dynamic growth strategy for KEEN in Europe. John will also be on the Global Management Team.

John is from the Netherlands where he lives the Hybridlife with his Family.

About KEEN

KEEN Inc., manufacturer of hybrid footwear, socks and bags, is an outdoor brand that delivers innovative hybrid products, enabling all outdoor enthusiasts to live an active lifestyle. Founded in 2003, KEEN was first recognized for its Newport sandal, which featured patented toe protection technology.

The company strives to demonstrate integrity and leadership, especially on social and environmental commitments, while promoting an inclusive outdoors community. Through its giving program Hybrid.Care, the company provides support to a variety of social and environmental organizations around the globe.

Based in Portland, Oregon, KEEN products are available in retail locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Central America, South America and Europe. To learn more, visit www.keenfootwear.com.

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