Footwear brand names president

Footwear brand names president

Greg Tunney. Courtesy Wolverine Worldwide

A maker of footwear and apparel has selected a new president for one of its shoe brands.

Rockford-based Wolverine Worldwide said this week it hired Greg Tunney as the president of Hush Puppies.

He will report to Todd Spaletto, president of the company’s Outdoor and Lifestyle Group.

“Greg is a proven leader in our industry and someone who’s dedicated to making the world a better place through his philanthropic efforts. He’s a perfect fit for Hush Puppies and Wolverine Worldwide,” Spaletto said.

Tunney said he “couldn’t be more excited” about his new role.

“Hush Puppies is one of the most iconic brands in the industry,” he said. “This is a tremendous opportunity to get exposed to the global and international marketplace. I look forward to joining the team to help drive growth and continue Wolverine’s long track record of success in North America and with our international partners.”

Tunney’s background

Tunney has more than 25 years of brand-building experience in the footwear industry and has held leadership positions at several companies.

Before joining Wolverine, Tunney served as president, CEO and director of the RG Barry Corp., a footwear and accessories company.

He oversaw global growth, led the acquisition of brands and helped build the organization’s position as “the largest slipper company in the world.”

Tunney earned a B.S. degree in business administration and management from Brigham Young University in 1986.

He also studied business administration, management and operations at Harvard University.

Tunney serves as chair of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, which provides financial assistance, disaster relief, counseling, scholarships and more to employees in the footwear industry.

Hush Puppies

The Hush Puppies brand was launched by Wolverine Worldwide in 1958.

More than 17-million pairs of Hush Puppies are sold every year in more than 165 countries.

Wolverine Worldwide

Wolverine Worldwide, founded in 1883, makes footwear and apparel for a variety of markets: casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children’s and uniform.

The company’s brand portfolio includes Merrell, Sperry, Hush Puppies, Saucony, Wolverine, Keds, Stride Rite, Chaco, Bates and HYTEST.

Wolverine Worldwide is also the global footwear licensee of the brands Cat and Harley-Davidson.