KEEN Hires Footwear Operations Leader Jens Christian Meier as Executive Vice President, Global Value Supply Chain

December 5, 2016

With 30-plus years of footwear industry experience, Meier will drive operational excellence as KEEN continues to build for the future.

PORTLAND, OR. (December 5, 2016) – KEEN, a values-led, privately-owned outdoor footwear company, known for its original and versatile products, announces Jens Christian Meier as Executive Vice President of its global Value Chain. Bringing more than 35 years of experience leading casual, kids, and performance footwear brands – Meier joins KEEN to drive all aspects of the global value supply chain.

In this new role for KEEN, Meier will manage and implement industry-leading best practices for KEEN’s value supply chain spanning from raw materials to the delivery of finished products, including owned manufacturing, third-party sourcing, planning, distribution, and logistics. Meier brings demonstrated experience developing, executing, and evaluating long-term global value chain strategies that drove product excellence and fan engagement for world-renowned brands.

“We are thrilled to have Jens on board to drive value chain excellence for KEEN,” says Casey Sheahan, KEEN President. “Jens’ track record in Global Value Supply Chain management and strategy will bring even more best-in-class products and service to our fans around the globe.”

An accomplished and distinguished footwear leader, Meier spent more than 20 of his 30-plus years in the footwear industry at ECCO Footwear in various leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Logistics, where during his tenure global revenue, pairs sold, and profitability soared, all the while elevating quality, improving processes, and expanding the global supply chain organization. Prior to ECCO, Meier was COO of children’s shoe leader, Elefanten Shoes GMBH. Since ECCO, Meier has been COO and Managing Director of LEGERO Shoes in Austria, responsible for leading the total value chain from product development to delivery. At LEGERO, Meier increased global revenue, significantly improved delivery performance, elevated product quality, and implemented new processes to improve efficiency.

Aside from strengthening KEEN’s global value supply chain, manufacturing operations, product quality, and world-wide service, Meier’s hire continues KEEN’s dedication to propelling the brand forward through innovative product collections and increased sustainability efforts throughout the supply chain.

“It’s an honor to join KEEN. I’ve been a fan of the brand for years and am excited to help KEEN realize its potential in the global market,” says Meier. “KEEN has been building a great team and I’m looking forward to coming on board in December.”

Meier is KEEN’s seventh high-profile hire in the last year. In the past 12 months, the company welcomed Casey Sheahan as President, John Eberle as GM of Outdoor, Lifestyle and Kids, Tyler LaMotte as VP, Brand Marketing, Christy Saito as VP, Global Product Merchandising, Outdoor and Lifestyle, and Rob Langstaff as VP, International.

Meier will be based in KEEN’s Portland, OR, global headquarters and will relocate to the Pacific Northwest before the end of the year. He officially joined the KEEN team on December 1.

About KEEN:
KEEN is a values-led, independently owned outdoor footwear brand from Portland, Oregon with a mission to responsibly create original and versatile products designed to fit the diverse lifestyle of our fans at work or a play. Founded in 2003, KEEN ignited a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport sandal, launching the concept of Hybrid footwear into the market and setting KEEN on a path of driving consistent product innovation that exists today. KEEN strives to live by its values, from its products to its actions, and by activating communities and individuals to protect and preserve the places where we work and play. KEEN passionately endeavors to live fulfilling lives, challenge the status quo, do good, give back, and inspire others. Learn more at http://www.keenfootwear.com