Wolverine names consumer direct president

Footwear retailer Wolverine Worldwide has promoted Jodi

Watson to president of consumer direct, a role which will see her responsible for store direct-to-consumer operations for the company, including stores and e-commerce.

Watson, who was most recently vice president of e-commerce, leading Wolverine's global digital strategy, will report to Wolverine chairman, CEO and president Blake Krueger.

Before joining Wolverine in 2009, Watson served as chief marketing officer for e-commerce firm Bag, Borrow or Steal, and was vice president of direct marketing services for Williams-Sonoma Inc.

Commenting on the appointment, Krueger said: "Jodi is a consumer-centric executive with a proven track record of success.  She is an excellent leader and a student of the industry, but most importantly, she is passionate about our consumers and our brands.  For the fast-changing, global retail environment in which we compete, Jodi is the right leader at the right time.

"Wolverine Worldwide is committed to expanding its brands' direct-to-consumer footprint around the world.  To win in today's global marketplace, lifestyle brands must build deep and emotional connections with their consumers, and there is no better place to build and foster those relationships than in our stores and on our websites."