ROCKFORD, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Wolverine World Wide today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Christopher E. Hufnagel, President of Wolverine, as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Hufnagel succeeds Brendan L. Hoffman, who is no longer with the Company.
Mr. Hufnagel joined Wolverine Worldwide in 2008 and has served in leadership roles across the organization. Before his appointment as President in May 2023, he was President of the Company’s Active Group with responsibility for Merrell, Saucony, Chaco, the Kids Group, and Global Licensing. He has also served as Wolverine Worldwide’s Global Brand President of Merrell and Global Brand President of CAT Footwear. In earlier roles at the Company, he was President of Direct-to-Consumer and Senior Vice President of Strategy. Prior to joining Wolverine Worldwide, Mr. Hufnagel held senior leadership roles at Under Armour, Gap, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
Tom Long, Chairman of the Wolverine Worldwide Board of Directors said, “The Board has confidence in Wolverine’s potential and capacity to deliver strong shareholder value on a sustained basis. This, of course, depends heavily on our continued ability to develop great products and build compelling brands. Chris has a demonstrated track record of successfully building global brands, and he has a deep understanding of the Company, our people, and our priorities. We are confident in the Company’s overarching strategy, and in Chris and the team’s ability to execute it with substantially enhanced urgency and boldness.”
Mr. Long continued, “We are grateful to Brendan for his leadership over the past three years. He has played a key role in setting us on the path to simplify the business and prioritize our most important growth initiatives. We wish him the best in his next chapter.”
“I am honored to step in as CEO at this critical moment for the Company. Wolverine Worldwide maintains some of the world’s most recognizable and loved lifestyle and footwear brands, and transforming our business to bring the full power of these brands to life will be a key driver of our success,” said Mr. Hufnagel. “I have had the privilege of working with many teams across this organization over the past 15 years, and we have what it takes to build a stronger, more resilient company. I look forward to working with the entire team to continue to improve profitability, generate growth, and create shareholder value.”
ABOUT WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE
Founded in 1883 on the belief in the possibility of opportunity, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE:WWW) is one of the world’s leading marketers and licensors of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children’s and uniform footwear and apparel. Through a diverse portfolio of highly recognized brands, our products are designed to empower, engage and inspire our consumers every step of the way. The Company’s portfolio includes Merrell®, Saucony®, Sperry®, Sweaty Betty®, Hush Puppies®, Wolverine®, Chaco®, Bates®, HYTEST®, and Stride Rite®. Wolverine Worldwide is also the global footwear licensee of the popular brands Cat® and Harley-Davidson®. Based in Rockford, Michigan, for 140 years, the Company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in approximately 170 countries and territories. For additional information, please visit our website, www.wolverineworldwide.com.
