Caleres names Molly Adams president of Famous Footwear

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
May 11, 2018

Caleres has appointed Molly Adams as president of Famous Footwear, its largest brand, constituting 59% of the group's revenue and bringing in $1.6B in 2017. Adams comes most recently from an EVP role at Disney.

Caleres is looking to Adams' track record in strategy, financial planning, product development and merchandise assortments as well as in aligning teams. In her new role, she is specifically going to be responsible for consumer engagement, store productivity and omnichannel initiatives.

Adams comes to Caleres from her role as executive vice president of global merchandising and product development at Disney, a role she held since 2008.

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Before joining Disney, Adams worked for private equity-owned and smaller companies in retail and entertainment. She was a senior VP and worked in merchandising for Anchor Blue Retail group, owner of 300 retail stores in the western and southeastern US.

She was also president of Stony Apparel Corporation which designs and manufactures kids' apparel. Earlier in her career she worked in merchandising, buying, sales and management for department stores and specialty retailers. She holds her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Tennessee.

Commenting on the appointment in a release, Diane Sullivan, CEO, president and chairman of Caleres said, "Her leadership, pace and vision will be invaluable to our Famous Footwear business, and her passion around the consumer experience will come to life in our stores.”

Adams replaces Rick Ausick who announced his retirement earlier this year. She begins her role as president of Famous Footwear effective May 29.