“This transformation will drive a renewed, consumer-focused approach that will combine the knowhow of our internal resources with the fresh ideas of new industry talent and draw on the strengths of our entire portfolio in the most efficient and value-creating way possible. As we continue to execute on our strategy, it is essential that we position Caleres to capture the growth opportunities we see in this rapidly evolving market environment. This next step will strengthen our significant competencies in product creation, assortment development and brand power; and to leverage the substantial investments we’ve made, and the progress achieved in our digital capabilities and ecommerce platform”, commented Diane Sullivan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Jay Schmidt has been named President of Caleres, effective immediately, and 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, among others. Schmidt most recently held the position of Division President, Caleres Brand Portfolio, where he has added to his already-strong portfolio knowledge. Prior to joining the company in 2009, Schmidt spent more than 25 years developing his extensive merchandising, portfolio management and brand marketing experience.

Additionally, Caleres announced several other changes to the portfolio’s leadership structure. 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 Chief Executive Officer of Jack Rogers where she oversaw rebranding and reorganization of the 60-year-old footwear brand. Keith Duplain has been promoted to President, Brand Portfolio-St. Louis Group. Duplain has been with Caleres for 15 years and has more than two decades of experience within the industry. As previously disclosed, effective from the 20^th of November 2020, Michael Edwards was named President, Famous Footwear leading Caleres’ largest brand. “Luis, Duplain and Edwards, in combination with the outstanding leadership of Sam Edelman and Chris Gallagher, will create an even more powerful team as we continue to drive our consumer and brand strategy moving forward”, concluded Sullivan.

Caleres has also formed a new digital acceleration team in order to "optimize resources, leverage its capabilities and take full advantage of the significant growth in its ecommerce business". 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 ecommerce growth across the entire portfolio.