Business people: KEEN Announces New President

Portland, OR, Jun 03, 2013 -
KEEN Inc., the leader in hybrid outdoor performance products, announced today that Mike Abbott will become the new president of the company starting Monday, July 8. The top executive was carefully selected for his ability to help expand the brand globally and nurture the company’s unique and vibrant culture.

Formerly COO of Specialized Bicycles and COO and CFO of Burton Snowboards, Mike Abbott brings almost two decades of expertise in global operations and business leadership to KEEN. He has played a key role in building industry-leading brands with footwear, hard goods, and apparel product lines. His experience in implementing best-in-class practices throughout organizations is a great fit to lead KEEN’s next stage of global growth while maintaining its unique, fun-loving culture.

“As the company celebrates its 10th birthday, KEEN is the one of the most original and fastest growing outdoor brands in the world,” said Abbott.  “I am honored to lead KEEN at this very exciting time in its evolution and am looking forward to joining the great team to continue to excite and inspire KEEN fans worldwide."

Rory Fuerst, founder and CEO of KEEN, added “Mike has proven his ability to lead great companies through rapid growth while maintaining and fostering their authenticity, innovation and superior service.  He has worked for brands at the top of their industries and knows what it takes to lead. He is also a genuine, down-to-earth person which makes him perfect for the KEEN team.”

When not in the office, Mike can be found anyplace without a ceiling: snowboarding, cycling, training for marathons, as well as enjoying many other outdoor activities with his wife and four children. Mike and his family will be relocating to Portland in July.

“KEEN has had ten exciting years of forward momentum and 2013 is no exception. We introduced the popular KEEN.CNX collection, expanded USA production, bought and renovated a building for our global headquarters and opened new KEEN Garages in Oregon, California, Japan and Czech Republic” said Linda Balfour, director of marketing, who has been with the company since 2005. “Mike will bring extra strength and momentum to an already exciting time and will give the brand added fuel for future plans.”

About KEEN
KEEN, Inc. manufactures hybrid outdoor and casual products, including footwear, bags and socks.  Founded in 2003 with the launch of the Newport sandal known for its patented toe protection technology, KEEN creates innovative and comfortable products that transition seamlessly from work to play, and enables people to pursue a Hybrid lifestyle: create, play and care. Through its Hybrid.Care giving program, KEEN supports social and environmental organizations around the world.  Named one of "America's Best Places to Work" by Outside magazine, KEEN is headquartered in Portland, Ore. KEEN products are available in more than 5,000 retail locations in 60 countries. Discover more about KEEN at keenfootwear.com, facebook.com/keen and twitter.com/keen.