Crocs names Gregg Ribatt as new CEO
Footwear brand Crocs has appointed Gregg Ribatt as its new chief executive.
Having worked for 20 years with wholesale and retail companies in the footwear and apparel sector, Ribatt was most recently interim chief executive of Spanx. Prior to that he was president and chief executive of Collective Brands Performance & Lifestyle Group whose brands include Saucony, Sperry Top-Sider, Keds and Stride Rite.
Before joining Collective Brands, he was president, chief executive at Stuart Weitzman Holdings, a luxury women’s fashion footwear company. He also served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Bennett Footwear Group.
Crocs chairman Thomas Smach said: “Gregg brings to Crocs a two-decade track record of success and leadership in guiding companies through significant growth and transformation. Since Gregg joined our board of directors in January 2014, he has contributed to the board’s efforts to conceptualize the Crocs of the future. We believe the transformation of Crocs will accelerate under his leadership, and we are delighted to welcome him as our new chief executive officer in January 2015.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Rees will continue in his role as president and will report to Ribatt when he assumes his chief executive role in late January.
Ribatt said: “Over the last nine months, the team has done an exceptional job of working to position the brand and company for the future. My goal is to build on that strategic work while continuing to establish one of the best teams and cultures in the industry. I’m confident and excited for the future of the Crocs brand, and I look forward to working with Andrew and the team to help Crocs reach its full potential across the globe.”
