10 Feb Keen Hires VP Global Product Merchandising, Outdoor and Lifestyle
Keen has hired Christy Saito as vice president, global product merchandising – outdoor and lifestyle, and Rob Langstaff will serve as vice president, international.
Collectively, the duo brings more than 35 years of business experience to Keen.
“This is a pivotal time in Keen’s history. We are putting added focus on what we do best; category-defying product for the performance outdoor and lifestyle markets,” said Keen President Steve Meineke. “To help in that quest, we are complementing the talent of our already stellar team with the experience of two industry leaders. With Christy’s focus and understanding of Keen’s existing and new fans, and Rob’s track record with growing global brands, we will continue to build on these insights to create meaningful product lines that will excite consumers and change the marketplace in the U.S. and around the world.”
Saito brings more than 17 years of footwear and consumer product marketing experience and “fan-first” approach to her newly created role at Keen. Prior to Keen, Saito served as global VP of merchandising and product management at Crocs, helping grow the business from $650 million to $1.2 billion. Saito also spent seven years at Nike in roles ranging from global footwear product director of women’s training to kid’s sport footwear product. A strong fit for Keen, Saito will work alongside the Keen executive team and GMs to lead the product planning, merchandising, and go-to-market strategy and process for the outdoor, lifestyle, and Uneek footwear categories as the brand continues its dedication to growing these business units and best-in-class product offerings.
“I am excited and honored to be joining Keen as part of a committed global team focused on serving and supporting our fans in the outdoor community through innovative, quality products and meaningful, game-changing initiatives,” said Saito.
Prior to joining Keen, Langstaff served as SVP at Brooks Running, growing operations and sales while expanding its global footprint in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Possessing an acute international business sense, extensive knowledge of the footwear industry, and successful track record of brand growth, Langstaff spent 17 years abroad in operations and product development at Adidas Germany and Japan. He will lead Keen’s international business operations and strategy to accelerate double-digit growth and work alongside the Keen executive team and regional GMs in EMEA, Canada, Japan, APAC, and Latin America to create global strategy and execution across Keen’s Outdoor Lifestyle and Kid’s growing business. Langstaff’s more than 20 years in the sporting goods industry, passion, and international trade acumen make him a great cultural fit for Keen.
“I’m honored to join the Keen team. My family and I have always lived a HYBRID life and I am fortunate to be able to combine my professional skills and personal values in building the great Keen brand globally,” said Langstaff.
Keen, entering its second decade of business, noted that over the last 18 months, it has made key new hires to the executive team, global supply chain, product team, and creative and marketing teams.