Wolverine Worldwide announces new leadership appointments

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Feb 20, 2020

Rockford, Michigan-based outdoor apparel company Wolverine World Wide Inc. announced on Wednesday the appointment of Joelle Grunberg as global president of Sperry, and the appointment of Tom Kennedy as global president of the Wolverine brand. 

Grunberg joins Wolverine Worldwide from Lacoste, where she served as president and CEO of North and Central America. At Lacoste, she was responsible for retail stores, e-commerce, wholesale, regional product development and all regional support functions in North and Central America. 

“Joelle is a seasoned leader with skills in global, consumer-focused businesses and deep expertise in fashion, apparel, footwear and accessories,” said Blake W. Krueger, chairman, CEO and president of Wolverine Worldwide, in a news statement.

“She is an excellent addition to our team and we are excited to see Sperry’s direction under her leadership.”

Meanwhile, Kennedy joined Wolverine Worldwide in 2015, as president of apparel and accessories, before taking the helm of Sperry in 2017.

He will return to Michigan for his new role with the Wolverine brand and will equally take on leadership of the company’s Licensing Group and join the mergers and acquisitions team, focusing on apparel and accessories opportunities.

“We look forward to Tom Kennedy returning to Michigan after his success with Sperry. Tom is a strategic merchant and leader with extensive apparel experience, which will be instrumental in helping the Wolverine brand expand its product lines and scope,” said Todd Spaletto, president of the Wolverine Michigan Group, which  operates the Wolverine brand. 

“Tom’s appointment will accelerate a significant growth opportunity for both Wolverine Worldwide and the Wolverine brand, and we plan to quickly leverage Tom’s expertise.”

Wolverine World Wide’s portfolio includes the Merrell, Sperry, Hush Puppies, Wolverine and Stride Rite brands, among others. The company’s products are currently available in 200 countries and territories around the globe.