KEEN Continues to Drive Hybrid Innovation by Adding New Talent

Portland, OR – June 19, 2012 – KEEN, Inc., manufacturer of hybrid outdoor and casual footwear, bags and socks, announced today that it has hired three product experts to lead the Trailhead, Casual and Sock teams in the brand’s mission to bring simple hybrid solutions to KEEN fans around the world.

“This evolution of the KEEN team is sure to bring exceptional product and added energy to KEEN fans through all our product lines,” said Ron Hill, vice president of merchandising, who joined the company in November of 2011.

New Product Team Recruits
Taking on the role of footwear business director of the Trailhead category is Jeff Dill, who brings 20 years of experience in the athletic and outdoor footwear industry. Jeff has worked in all areas of footwear business as a buyer, sales representative, tech representative, product manager and merchandiser. Before joining the KEEN team, Jeff served as the marketing and product category manager of trail running at Salomon in the company’s offices in Annecy, France. He also spent 12 years working at adidas. Jeff has been charged with the task of building on the brand’s successful hiking, technical sandal and winter insulated collections.

Johanna Koeberle has joined the team as senior merchandising manager for BLVD, the KEEN casual category. She previously managed the Sorel product line. Prior to that she made career stops at Triple Five Sole and adidas. With her experience interpreting current trends and understanding consumers’ needs, Johanna will inject fresh style into the BLVD collection every season.

Continuing the KEEN focus on socks, Catriona Shannon will assume the role of socks product line manager. Catriona previously held positions at Columbia Sportswear, where she worked on accessories, equipment and apparel and Nike as NikeId footwear product line manager. Her responsibilities include taking KEEN Socks to the next level with unprecedented durability, color and style.

“These great additions to the product team expand our ability to fulfill on the KEEN brand promise and ensure we keep pace with our growing fan base,” added Hill. “I welcome Johanna, Jeff and Catriona to the KEEN family and look forward to working with them to deliver great products that inspire people to play outdoors season after season.”


About KEEN
KEEN, Inc. manufactures hybrid outdoor and casual products, including footwear, bags and socks. Founded in 2003 with the launch of the Newport sandal known for its patented toe protection technology, KEEN creates innovative and comfortable products that transition seamlessly from work to play, and enables people to pursue a Hybrid lifestyle: create, play and care. Through its Hybrid.Care giving program, KEEN supports social and environmental organizations around the world. The company recently launched the KEEN Recess Revolution, encouraging adults to take 10-minute outdoor “Recess” breaks every day to re-energize at work and be healthier and happier. Named one of “America’s Best Places to Work” by Outside magazine, KEEN is headquartered in Portland, Ore. KEEN products are available in more than 5,000 retail locations in 60 countries. Discover more about KEEN at keenfootwear.com, facebook.com/keen and twitter.com/keen. To learn more about KEEN recess, visit www.recess.keenfootwear.com.

###