The Stride Rite Corporation (NYSE:SRR), a leading marketer of casual and active footwear for children and adults, today announced the promotion of Richard T. Thornton to President and Chief Operating Officer effective August 1, 2003. Mr. Thornton will report to David M. Chamberlain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Rick will assume general management responsibility for Keds, Sperry Top~Sider, Stride Rite Children's Group, Tommy Hilfiger Footwear, International and Sourcing.
Mr. Thornton, age 50, joined Stride Rite in 1998 as Senior Vice President, Finance & Operations in the Tommy Hilfiger Footwear division. He has held the role of President, Tommy Hilfiger Footwear for the last three years.
David M. Chamberlain (60), commented, ''Rick has done an outstanding job building our Tommy Hilfiger Footwear team and business. His proven skills and abilities will add tremendous value in leading our operating units.''
Rick has previously held executive level positions at Reebok International, LTD. and at Boston Whaler. He holds a BS from the College of the Holy Cross and a MBA from Boston College.
Rick commented, ''I am very excited about the opportunity that David Chamberlain and the Board of Directors have afforded me. I look forward to working with all Stride Rite associates towards making our Company an even greater force in the footwear industry and in the community.''
Separately, the Company today announced that Richie Woodworth has been hired to fill the vacancy as President of Tommy Hilfiger Footwear. Mr. Woodworth will join the Company immediately.
The Stride Rite Corporation markets the leading brand of high quality children's shoes in the United States. Other footwear products for children and adults are marketed by the Company under well-known brand names, including Keds, Sperry Top-Sider, Tommy Hilfiger, Grasshoppers and Munchkin. Information about the Company is available on our website – www.strideritecorp.com. Information about the Company's brands and product lines is available at www.striderite.com, www.keds.com, www.ProKeds.com and www.sperrytopsider.com.