Emerging Blue, Inc.
http://www.emergingblue.com
http://www.emergingblue.com
true
CEO
Brighton, MA 02135 US
Posted: 09/06/2023
2023-09-06
2023-11-01
Employment Type:
Permanent
Job Category: Executive
Job Number: KC14389796
Job Description
No other brand represents the spirited enjoyment of classic American sport and recreation more than PF Flyers. From timeless court and tennis styles to iconic boots and deck shoes, PF has pioneered some of the most enduring designs in sneaker history since it was founded in 1937. Generations of Americans have made the most of "work, relaxation and play" wearing PF Flyers. Run Faster. Jump Higher. Play On.
At the turn of the century, innovative tire manufacturers discovered a new use for their vulcanized rubber and canvas techniques: casual footwear. One such pioneer was BF Goodrich, who manufactured several lines of vulcanized athletic shoes, oxfords, heels and boots. In 1933, Goodrich patented the Posture Foundation insole. This early innovation in comfort forever changed the sneaker landscape and quickly became immensely popular. In 1937, Goodrich brought several of their footwear lines under the brand name “P-F.”
The PF brand grew throughout the ’50s and ’60s, becoming one of the most popular brands in America “for work, relaxation and play.” Women could buy outfits designed to match their PFs, basketball’s first superstar, Bob Cousy, wore PF, and PF was standard issue in the US Army.
BF Goodrich posted an impressive $29 million in shoe sales in 1971, but they soon decided to quit the shoe business altogether and sold PF to Converse’s parent company. For a handful of years, PF shoes by Converse were produced; however, the merger was ruled a monopoly and PF was sold once again, trading hands several times. The brand slowly drifted into obscurity, but it was far from forgotten. PF gained a permanent place in American mythology, appearing heroically in movies such as the 1993 classic film, “The Sandlot.”
In 2001, New Balance purchased PF Flyers, viewing it as a great match to their high-performance American brand. With pride in the heritage of PF and a determination not to rely solely on past success, PF designers modernized Posture Foundation and New Balance re-launched the PF brand in 2003. The brand has been regaining momentum since then and remains true to its original mission of creating premium, classic sneakers rooted in authentic American style. In 2021 the brand was purchased by Kassia Davis, New Balance heiress, who aims to restore the company to new heights building on its classic style, American heritage, and comfort innovation.
PF Flyers is looking for a dynamic, visionary CEO, with the ability to relaunch an American classic in today’s DTC-focused market, building a high-growth business in the US and internationally. The right candidate will be able to show proven success as a strategic leader at executive level; demonstrate dynamic business growth stemming from their results-oriented strategy; and an entrepreneurial “go-getter” mentality, underlined with a passion for evolving a truly iconic brand.
Responsibilities
- Lead the vision, product roadmap, and growth strategies for the business; establish and monitor key execution milestones
- Work with the executive team and Board to develop and implement long and short-range objectives, operating business plans, and go-to-market strategy to drive significant top-line growth and successful expansion. Forge solid day-to-day working relationship with company President, who will play a hands-on role in the company’s development
- Lead product and brand innovation to capitalize on existing brand equity and pave path forward for brand evolution
- Explore and evaluate the potential of untapped markets, domestic and international. Evaluate the existing portfolio to define where opportunities exist to improve efficiency
- Implement and evolve the global omnichannel retail concept for PF Flyers, in addition to growing the eCommerce platform and DTC presence for the brand
- Identify organizational needs and facilitate the recruitment and professional development of high caliber employees and build a winning culture where the best people want to work and succeed together
- Manage initiatives back to P&L to support both growth and profitability
- Build a strong organization, calling on experience to map out key roles required within an organization, then put into motion a plan to hire the right senior talent. Manage and mentor direct reports, supporting them in the development of their own teams as the company grows
Professional Qualifications
- Proven success as CEO/GM/CMO/President of a high-growth consumer business, minimum of 5 years at executive level, operating across both wholesale and DTC landscape
- Consistent superior business results in a physical goods multi-channel environment with a strong focus on digital and innovation
- Digital and e-commerce savvy executive who possesses both B2C and B2B retail, digital, and brand marketing expertise
- Knowledge and exposure to the global marketplace. Experience with international expansion and launching product in new markets
- Successful track record building emerging business models, driving early adoption of new brands, and crafting best-in-class customer experiences
- Possesses progressive mindset and approach and is passionate about developing and evolving an iconic brand
Personal Characteristics
- Exceptional senior leader who can set strategy and drive execution with a scrappy “roll up the sleeves” approach
- Entrepreneurial and ambitious with a “go-getter” mentality
- High emotional intelligence and self-aware, encouraging positive energy and passion throughout the organization
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, able to work across a matrix with all stakeholders
- Ability to quickly establish strong credibility with employees, business partners, and external agencies
- Passionate about the brand, with a deep appreciation for the product and understanding of the customer’s needs and experiences
- Excellent levels of integrity, character, and professionalism
- The company is headquartered in Boston, MA. The role will include travel internationally and domestically
Meet Your Recruiter
Karen Cichocki
Karen is the Director of All Things Business Development at Emerging Blue. She loves meeting new people and is passionate about building strong relationships with her clients. Karen thrives on getting to know brands and the passion and story behind each of them.