Wolverine Worldwide Appoints New Keds President

Wolverine Worldwide Appoints New Keds President

Wolverine Worldwide promoted Gillian Meek to president of Keds. She replaces Christopher Lindner, who in August became president of FootJoy.

As Keds continues to celebrate their 100th anniversary with the Ladies First campaign, Wolverine said Meek’s appointment is an important organizational move that adds to the company’s brand leadership, underscores the depth and talent of the management team and demonstrates the Keds brand’s commitment to female empowerment.

In her new role, Meek becomes a member of the senior leadership team of Wolverine Worldwide. Prior to her current appointment, Meek served as senior vice president of product and marketing for the Stride Rite Children’s Group. While at Stride Rite, Meek demonstrated a “lead from the front” style. She has extensive experience in strategic brand building and her strong passion for product has led to big story innovations including Stride Rite’s Made2Play Snoot and Phibian. Before joining Wolverine Worldwide in 2010, Meek worked with footwear brands Reebok and Timberland throughout her nearly 20-year career.

“I’m incredibly excited to promote Gillian for this critical position,” said Richie Woodworth, president of the Wolverine Worldwide Boston Group. “She has shown nothing but dedication to our organization and has given life to our vision and values. She personally manifests Keds’ mission of empowering and championing others to blaze their own trails to success.”

In addition to her leadership roles at Wolverine Worldwide, Meek volunteers as an active member of Women in Footwear Industry (WIFI) and as co-chair of the Wolverine Worldwide Women’s Resource Group (WRG), in which she supports and mentors women across the organization. Meek will lead a strong team of Keds female executives including Emily Culp, CMO, Elaine Dalton, VP of sales and Holly Curtis, VP of product.