Wolverine hires The North Face exec, promotes company veteran to lead transformation efforts

ROCKFORD — Wolverine World Wide Inc. has reorganized its leadership team by promoting one company veteran and hiring a long-time foortwear apparel industry company executive.

The Rockford-based footwear and apparel maker said today that it hired Todd Spaletto to be president of the Wolverine Outdoor and Lifestyle Group, according to a statement. Spaletto previously served as president of The North Face brand for six years at parent company VF Corp.

A 23-year veteran of the branded apparel and footwear industry, Spaletto formerly held senior leadership roles at The North Face and JanSport, an outdoor apparel maker that’s also part of VF Corp.

At Wolverine, Spaletto will be charged with leading the Merrell, Chaco, VAT, Hush Puppies and Sebago brands.

In announcing the hire, Wolverine Chairman, CEO and President Blake Krueger called Spaletto a proven brand builder with a “track record as a growth driver and strategic thinker.”

“He possesses a deep understanding of consumers and knows how to deliver product innovation and compelling marketing,” Krueger said in a statement.

Additionally, Wolverine promoted 19-year company veteran Jim Zwiers to executive vice president, in which capacity he will lead the firm’s transformation initiatives.

Both Zwiers and Spaletto will report directly to Krueger.

“During this past year, we were laser-focused on operational excellence,” Krueger stated, noting the company’s efforts “paid off in the fourth quarter.”

Zwiers will lead the company’s new growth initiative, dubbed the Wolverine Way Forward.

“We enter the new year with optimism, a clear strategic direction, and an even stronger team to lead us forward,” Krueger stated, describing Zwiers as “one of our most seasoned executives.”

The company is expected to release its fourth quarter results later this month.