Wolverine Worldwide, a prominent footwear and apparel company, has announced the appointment of Bishu Jayaram as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer. Jayaram previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing at Wolverine, where he oversaw sourcing for all product categories across the company’s extensive brand portfolio, including Sperry, Hush Puppies, and Wolverine.
Before joining Wolverine Worldwide, Jayaram had significant experience in the industry, working at VF Corp. There, he managed sourcing for all footwear, equipment, and packs in Asia and was responsible for the global material supply across apparel, footwear, and equipment sectors. His career also includes roles at Avery Denison, Adidas, and Gap Inc.
In his new role, Jayaram will report directly to Chris Hufnagel, President and CEO of Wolverine Worldwide. Hufnagel praised Jayaram’s appointment, highlighting his successful track record in managing complex supply chain operations and implementing innovative strategies, especially during times of significant supply chain volatility. “Bishu’s expertise aligns with our goals of enhancing operational efficiency, global brand development, and transforming our company into a consumer-focused growth entity,” Hufnagel stated in a press release.
Alongside Jayaram’s promotion, Wolverine Worldwide also announced the transition of Jim Zweirs out of the company in early 2024. Zweirs, who has been with Wolverine for 25 years, most recently served as the Executive Vice President of Wolverine’s Global Operations Group. His tenure at the company included various key positions such as President of the Outdoor and Lifestyle Group, President of the International Group, and General Counsel, and he was instrumental in leading the company’s mergers and acquisitions.
As part of a restructuring plan announced in November, Wolverine Worldwide aims to achieve $215 million in annual savings. This plan is designed to stabilize the business through various strategies including divesting non-core assets, reducing inventory, paying down debt, and optimizing the cost structure.
The company has been actively pursuing “strategic alternatives” for its Sperry brand since May. Recent transactions include the sale of Hush Puppies trademarks and related intellectual property in China to Beijing Jiaman Dress Co., Ltd. for approximately $58.8 million, and the divestiture of its U.S. leathers business to New Balance for about $6 million. Additionally, in February, Wolverine sold the Keds brand to Designer Brands.
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