Ryan Babenzien exits Greats

Ryan Babenzien took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce that he is leaving Greats.

“After almost 7 rewarding years, I’ve decided to step down as the CEO of Greats,” said Babenzien, who cofounded the footwear company in 2013.

“I never thought about what it would be like to write those words until recently, but after thinking about what’s important to me, what I enjoy doing and what I’m good at, I have come to the realization that it is time to let someone else guide the company and for me to move on from my role as CEO of Greats.”

The Brooklyn, NY-based brand has a loyal following earned by its range of clean and classy designed footwear. Over the years, the company has equally collaborated on several high-profile sneaker releases with the likes of Nick Wooster, Lardini and Death to Tennis, among others.

American footwear, accessories and apparel company Steve Madden acquired the digitally native sneaker label in 2019 for an undisclosed sum. Babenzien stayed with the company as CEO following the acquisition.

“I set out to create a footwear brand that lives well beyond me, whether I’m the ceo or not. I believe that we have established the foundation for Greats to not only continue on but to flourish and succeed without me. Greats has set many firsts and achieved many milestones; building Greats has been more gratifying than I ever imagined it would be when we started the company,” Babenzien further explained on Instagram.

“I need everyone to understand that this decision comes after months of reflection on my personal goals and at no cost to my support for the future of the brand. I am Greats #1 fan and I am forever grateful for the opportunity I had in building a brand that consumers love and support. It’s been an honor to work with everyone who is part of the Greats family, both current and prior, immediate and extended and I am looking forward to cheering for Greats’ continued success.”

Steve Madden has not yet commented on its plans to replace the executive.

Ryan Babenzien exits Greats

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