Keds names former Ted Baker, Lacoste footwear exec as VP of Sales

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Jun 20, 2017

Dave Grange has been hired as the North America Vice President of Sales for Keds, coming most recently from Pentland Brands where he led Ted Baker and Lacoste footwear.

Grange spent 16 years with Pentland Brands in various functions. His most recent role was as the company's CEO. He led the Ted Baker and Lacoste footwear business at wholesale. Before moving into the CEO role, he was the North America President for Lacoste footwear.

Grange's appointment signals Keds' desire to occupy an elevated market space with more premium distribution channels.

Ads

Grange echoed that by saying, "My initial focus is building new premium distribution, implementing a full segmentation strategy while protecting the heritage and legacy" of the 100 year old brand.

Keds was formed in 1916. It was worn by iconic women throughout its history including Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn. Despite its classic history, the brand has struggled today to make its heritage appealing to a new consumer. It was acquired in 2012 by current parent company Wolverine Worldwide.

President of Keds, Gillian Meek said, "Dave brings years of expertise, specifically with global heritage brands and growing sales where brand recognition is already in place."

Grange got his footwear start as a territory sales manager for Adidas in the UK. He was a national account manager with Pentland in the UK for 6 more years before moving to the US for a sales role with Lacoste. His role as NA VP of Sales for Keds is effective immediately.