KEEN Hires Veteran Outdoor Industry Leader and Former CEO of Patagonia, Casey Sheahan as President

October 26, 2016

Bringing 35-plus years of outdoor industry experience, Sheahan joins KEEN as the company continues to invest and build for the future.

PORTLAND, OR. (October 26, 2016)  KEEN, a privately-owned outdoor footwear company, known for its original and versatile products, announces Casey Sheahan as its next President. With a decorated career spanning more than 35 years in the outdoor, athletic, and publishing industries, Sheahan joins KEEN to lead the business as it builds for the future. Sheahan succeeds outgoing President Steve Meineke, who will retire in mid-November and remain an active KEEN Advisory Council member.

As KEEN President, Sheahan will provide leadership across the global organization while breaking new ground to further position the brand at the forefront of the global outdoor and lifestyle market while bringing KEEN’s mission and products to more fans worldwide. Sheahan brings a successful track record in building world-renown brands with a passion for sustainability and activism. Sheahan represents KEEN’s strong commitment to building a trusted and authentic brand as a veteran leader capable of transforming the industry.

“We are thrilled to bring on such an experienced and respected leader to help meet the demands of our growing business and to perpetuate our values,” said Steve Meineke, who successfully shepherded KEEN’s growth and evolution over the past three years.

A veteran leader in the outdoor industry, Sheahan began his career as the editor and publisher of Powder Magazine, which evolved into leadership roles at Nike as category manager of ACG, VP of marketing at Merrell and as president of Kelty. Most recently, Sheahan served as president and CEO of Patagonia, where he led the company through its most successful phase in its history, tripling the business and significantly increasing the brand’s support for environmental and sustainability causes.

Since retiring from Patagonia in 2014, Sheahan has been serving on several advisory boards across the outdoor industry, including KEEN, affording him a real-time perspective into the company, strategic initiatives, organization, and opportunities ahead.

“There is no other leader more qualified to take over the helm at KEEN. I am confident that Casey will continue to build upon KEEN’s momentum and do tremendous things for the brand and the team,” said Meineke.

Aside from strengthening KEEN’s global brand position, business operations, product focus, and global awareness, Sheahan’s hire continues KEEN’s dedication to propelling the brand forward. He’ll lead the company to expand its global fan base through innovative product collections and through environmentally-focused efforts like its highly successful Live Monumental campaign – a movement to protect 3 million acres of public lands – and its KEEN Effect program – a global grant program for non-profits who are dedicated to protecting the places we play. With Sheahan’s years of experience leading industry-wide sustainability efforts as the past president of the Conservation Alliance, he will be actively engaged in KEEN’s give back efforts. 

“I’m honored to be joining KEEN at such an opportune and pivotal time in an ever evolving industry. I look forward to engaging more fans through incredible product and values-based initiatives in the years to come,” said Sheahan. 

“KEEN is the only brand I considered coming out of my post-Patagonia fly-fishing sabbatical for,” said Sheahan. “It’s an incredible opportunity to join a family-based company that is authentically disrupting the status quo, leading through its guiding principles and actions. I’m energized to relocate to the Pacific Northwest and join a talented team to help the brand realize its full potential in the global marketplace.”

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

Sheahan will be based in Portland, Ore. at KEEN’s global headquarters. He will officially join the KEEN team on November 14, 2016.

About KEEN:

KEEN is a values led, privately owned outdoor footwear brand from Portland, Oregon with a mission to responsibly create original and versatile products designed to fit the diverse lifestyle of its 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