KEEN, Inc., Hires Footwear Industry Veteran John Eberle as GM of Outdoor, Lifestyle, and Kids

August 4, 2016

Bringing more than 26 years of footwear experience, Eberle joins KEEN as the company continues its investment in high-level talent as it builds for the future

PORTLAND, Ore. (August 4, 2016) – KEEN, Inc., a values led, independently-owned outdoor and lifestyle footwear brand known for its original and versatile products, expands its depth of footwear industry experience and knowledge with the hire of John Eberle as the brand’s first-ever GM, Outdoor. With a decorated career in the industry for 26-plus years – both domestic and international – Eberle joins KEEN as its newest executive team member as the brand continues to disrupt the norm and build for the future.

As GM, Outdoor, Lifestyle & Kids, Eberle will oversee global business operations, management strategy, and product and business development for KEEN’s largest product category. Eberle’s proven track record and results-driven work ethic will make an immediate impact at KEEN as the brand grows into its second decade of business.

“We are thrilled to have John join this world-class executive team as he brings a unique passion for business and the outdoors. John is the absolute best fit for leading our largest business into the future,” said Steve Meineke, KEEN President.

A familiar figure in the footwear industry, Eberle began his career in the late 1980s and over the past two decades has asserted himself as an influential business leader, brand builder, and expert in the field. Prior to KEEN, Eberle spent 13 years at Nike in various roles – most recently as VP/GM Running Emerging Markets where he managed the holistic running business across numerous international countries, while growing revenue to $1.1B and achieving top brand positioning in seven of his nine territories. At Nike, Eberle also held GM and Global Business Director positions for a decade that spanned domestic and international business, finance, product, and equipment management. Before Nike, Eberle cut his teeth in the footwear industry at Fila, Rockport, Puma, New Balance, and Avia, in roles ranging from VP Global Communications to Product Manager.

Aside from strengthening KEEN’s brand positioning, business operations, and product awareness globally, Eberle’s hire continues KEEN’s dedication to sustainably growing its business for the future and investing in top-level talent to assist in leading the brand forward. KEEN is dedicated to expanding its fanbase through innovative product collections and through environmentally-focused efforts like its Live Monumental campaign – a movement to protect 3 million acres of public lands – and its KEEN Effect program.

Eberle is KEEN’s fourth high-profile hire in the last year. Earlier this month, the company welcomed Tyler LaMotte as VP of Brand Marketing. In the past 12 months, Christy Saito joined KEEN as VP, Global Product Merchandising, Outdoor and Lifestyle, and Rob Langstaff as VP, International.

“KEEN presents a perfect storm of opportunity, strong culture, and great talent. I’m humbled to be trusted to help this brand accelerate to the next level,” said Eberle. “My decades of outdoor athletics and business have equipped me to truly understand KEEN, as well as help guide this brand to a leadership position in the outdoor/lifestyle industry.”
Eberle will be based in KEEN’s Portland, Ore., global headquarters and will focus on driving KEEN’s long-range global business strategy in the Outdoor, Lifestyle & Kids category. He will join the KEEN team on August 9, 2016.

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, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. 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