According to Caleres, the aim of the organisational change is to ensure greater alignment with its strategic direction, accelerate its growth initiatives, unlock the power of its portfolio of brands and drive sustainable, long-term value for its shareholders. The transition is said to combine the company’s operating divisions under a unified structure for growth, so as to strengthen consumer engagement, expand consumer insights, advance robust brand goals and awareness, harness creativity and furthering innovation.
To that end, Jay Schmidt has been named President of Caleres, with immediate effect. He will assume responsibility for all of the consumer and brand strategy for Caleres’ entire portfolio, which includes Famous Footwear, Allen Edmonds, Dr. Scholl’s, Naturalizer, Sam Edelman and Vionic. Most recently, Schmidt held the position of Division President, Caleres Brand Portfolio. Additionally, Lydia Park Luis joins Caleres as President, Brand Portfolio-New York Group, and will have responsibility for the company’s international business. Luis was most recently CEO of Jack Rogers where she oversaw rebranding and reorganization of the 60-year-old footwear brand. Keith Duplain, who has been with Caleres with over 15 years, has been promoted to President, Brand Portfolio-St. Louis Group.
Furthermore, the company has formed a new, digital acceleration team in order to optimise resources, leverage its capabilities and take full advantage of the significant growth in its e-commerce business, which has become a key focus area for Caleres. Willis Hill, Caleres’ Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, has been entrusted to assemble the core digital team, formulate a strategy, execute the plan and drive further e-commerce growth across the entire portfolio.
