KEEN Hires Footwear Guru for Merchandising Executive

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 9, 2011) – KEEN, Inc., manufacturer of hybrid outdoor and casual footwear, bags and socks, announced that Ron Hill has joined as its new Vice President for Merchandising. In Ron, KEEN gains a footwear expert with a career spanning three decades of successful leadership roles in product merchandising with giants Nike and Nordstrom.

“Ron brings significant experience and passion to KEEN and will take full responsibility for the product ‘go-to-market’ component,” said James Curleigh, KEEN’s CEO. “He will double the impact of the KEEN’s product development team with his tremendous track record in the casual and performance footwear categories.”

“I view joining the KEEN team as a chance to contribute to an entrepreneurial company’s growth,” said Ron Hill, Vice President for Merchandising, KEEN. In his position, Ron will synchronize product planning with KEEN’s executive committee, including Kelly Wallrich, VP of Product Design and Development, Russ Hopcus, VP Sales and Market Development, and Phyllis Grove, VP of Marketing. 

Ron “grew up in footwear” starting his first job selling shoes at Nordstrom at age 15. He served in roles from the stock room to regional merchandiser, helping build the company’s unparalleled reputation for shoe merchandising. During his 26 year career at Nike, Ron was responsible for product planning, design and development.

Already a KEEN fan, Ron is on-point to strengthen KEEN’s relationship with its customers and help maximize the product line for retailers. “I am excited to be part of a young, growing organization with a strong product offering and solid brand values. I look forward to contributing to the KEEN story by helping the brand exceed its fan’s product expectations.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that Ron will help take KEEN to the next level,” Curleigh states. “His combination of deep market experience and affinity for the KEEN culture were key to his selection to our team. “

An Oregon native, Ron and his wife have five children. When not at work you can find him taking recess on road trips, having traveled across the U.S. on three occasions each devoted to ball parks, golf courses, and monuments.

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’s recess initiative, visit www.keenfootwear.com/recess.