KEEN, Inc., the leading manufacturer of hybrid outdoor and casual products, including footwear, bags, clothing and socks, announced today that Steve Meineke will join the KEEN team as president of the company, starting June 1, 2014. Meineke brings over three decades of executive leadership, multi-channel and industry experience, and brand acumen to the role.
The appointment of Meineke marks a decisive moment for KEEN as the company enters its second decade. The brand has furthered its dedication to its core outdoor business and community during that time while committing to a broader vision and proactive invitation to invite more fans into the KEEN brand. The evolution of KEEN into its next era is in full swing and includes product innovations, successful new categories developments, new approaches in R&D and its own manufacturing to control the supply chain. KEEN also has an invigorated commitment to making a positive difference for community and the planet through non-profit partnerships and business practices.
“We are excited to have Steve join the KEEN Team. With his wealth of experience, he is the right leader to support further development of the European business and drive KEEN forward,” said John Jansen, General Manager & Head of Europe, Middle East and Africa of KEEN.
Meineke’s leadership career has focused on innovative consumer brands across a range of sectors. The majority of his career has been spent guiding and growing companies in the outdoor markets from the mountains to the beach to the city.
“I could not be more honored to join this great team to drive the next era of the KEEN brand, which will capture the imagination of today’s diverse consumer who looks to maximize their experience from the trail to the city,” Meineke said.
For the past two years, Meineke served as Chief Executive Officer at Accell North America, a global leader in bicycles, gear and parts with headquarters in The Netherlands – Europe, where he drove strategy that resulted in a successful reorganization and platform establishment of ANA, Accell Group’s North American business unit. In this role, he led investment and implementation of leadership talent, along with large-scale infrastructure changes and efficiencies to build a highly profitable new entity. Meineke served as the President of Raleigh America, Inc. and Shareholder of Raleigh Cycles Limited from February, 2004 to April, 2012.
Previously, Meineke was CEO of Mission Hockey from 1996 to 2002. Before that, he served as President, Specialized Bicycle Components from 1993 to 1996. Meineke’s career also includes a role as President of Nordica USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nordica SportSystem, SpA from 1990 – 1993. Nordica acquired Rollerblade, Asolo Footwear, Ektelon Racquetball, Prince Tennis, and Kastle Ski during his leadership. Meineke served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing of Vuarnet-France sunglasses and apparel, from 1987 to 1990. He also served as Global Marketing Manager of Salomon North America, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Salomon, SpA from 1980- 1987.
Meineke holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from University of Minnesota, with continued executive education at Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business. Meineke is most in his element enjoying a powder day, a road bike ride or adventuring on his stand-up paddleboard.
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Steve Meineke – keen
