24 Apr Mizuno Appoints Todd Lewis as Global Director of Running
Mizuno USA appointed running product veteran, Todd Lewis, as its global director of performance running – footwear While Lewis will be part of the global product team headquartered in Japan, he will be based in Portland and work closely with newly hired, Mark Sheehan, vice President – product management, running division, and Dick Lyons, SVP/GM – product divisions.
Lewis will lead the direction of Mizuno performance running footwear design and development globally, with specific focus on the Americas region. He will also be responsible to build and develop talent at Mizuno’s Portland Running Center of Excellence.
“Todd injects critical capabilities and enthusiasm to our global running footwear product team,” said Bob Puccini, President of Mizuno USA and Director of Mizuno Corporation. “He brings years of valuable, first-hand insights about the category, and we are excited to unleash his creative perspective and expressions about our brand. Moreover, this showcases our continued commitment to accelerated growth and global leadership.”
“The northwest is such a vital region to be in if you are in the running industry, so it was critical we find inspiration and talent locally,” said Sheehan. “Todd has a contagious passion for the sport and an awesome leadership style that will help foster new ideas and growth for Mizuno. His background as an athlete, business professional and idea maker will push our innovation in running footwear.”
Lewis joins Mizuno USA with more than 15 years of experience in the running business with specific focus on footwear. He began his career at the ground level as a technical running specialist with Nike, Inc. and methodically worked his way to the product team while gaining more responsibilities and leadership with each transition. Most recently, Lewis was global footwear product director at Columbia Sportswear where he managed design and development for all footwear brands, including Sorel, Columbia and Montrail, and set product direction for all footwear product lines. Lewis also has had athletic success as a five-time All-American Track & Field athlete at Arizona State University, and also qualified for the 1992 and 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials.
“Mizuno is a brand that is always in the mix amongst runners, and I have always had a lot respect for Mizuno product – the quality, the cushion and the ride – not to mention, Mizuno’s position as a specialty brand struck a chord,” said Lewis. “I see massive potential at Mizuno, and I am ready for the challenge.”
Lewis officially starts at the Mizuno Running Center of Excellence in Portland on May 4.