Blake Krueger, the chairman and former CEO of Wolverine Worldwide, ending his 30-year tenure with the a publicly traded footwear conglomerate based in Rockford, Mich., just outside Grand Rapids.
Krueger began working at Wolverine Worldwide in 1993. He was appointed CEO and added to the executive board in 2007. He became chairman in 2010.
Krueger’s retirement will be effective May 4. Following Krueger’s retirement, lead independent director Tom Long will take over as chairman.
“It has been an absolute privilege and honor to have served Wolverine Worldwide for the past 30 years, and to have played a role in the company’s successful 140-year history,” said Krueger in a statement. “I am excited about the company’s future and know that under Brendan’s leadership and the strategic guidance of Tom and the Board of Directors, and with the efforts of our global team, Wolverine Worldwide and its shareholders are in great hands and well-positioned for continued growth and success.”
Long has been a member of Wolverine’s board of directors since 2011 after previously having served as CEO of MillerCoors, CEO and chief marketing officer of Miller Brewing Company and in several roles at Coca-Cola. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like thank to Blake for his many years of dedication and service to the company and its shareholders,” Long said in a statement. “During his long tenure the company transformed from a traditional footwear wholesaler into a consumer-focused, global organization with one of the world’s largest portfolios of footwear and lifestyle brands. I am honored to succeed him as chairman as part of our planned leadership transition.”
