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Industry Moves: Footwear Industry Vet Sam Sato Sets Retirement Date as Duluth Trading CEO + More News

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Who’s in, who’s out, who’s been promoted and hired — FN covers all the industry changes in one place. Know of an executive on the move? Tell us at web@footwearnews.com.

March 13, 2025: Duluth Trading Company president and chief executive officer Sam Sato has announced his plans to retire, effective April 25. During the transition period, Stephen Schlecht, the company’s chairman of the board, founder and former CEO, will assume day-to-day leadership of the company with Sato’s assistance. Sato was named president CEO of Duluth Trading Company in May 2021. Prior to joining Duluth Trading, Sato was CEO of publicly traded Finish Line, a leading specialty retailer that delivered $1.8 billion in net sales in 2018 and operated over 900 branded locations in the U.S. under his leadership.  During his tenure at Finish Line from 2007 to 2018, Sato spearheaded its successful merger with JD Sports; developed business extension strategies, including a key partnership with Macy’s; and created a road map for its digital and mobile first evolution. Previously, Sato had a 23-year career at Nordstrom, beginning as a sales associate in 1984 and climbing the corporate ranks to vice president of corporate merchandising.

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Sam Sato.
Sam Sato.

Feb. 26, 2025: Angel Martinez is back as the newest board member at recovery brand Oofos. The former Deckers Brands CEO, who also held top roles at Reebok, The Rockport Co. and Keen, was tapped for his sharp business acumen and brand-building prowess. “We are thrilled to welcome Angel Martinez to our OOfamily,” said Lou Panaccione, Founder and CEO of Oofos. “Angel is a true pioneer of the footwear industry and continues to make a lasting impact by sharing his knowledge with others. His history of growing a business through foundational brand positioning will help us to strengthen Oofos’ core identity as the leader in the global recovery footwear category.”

Angel Martinez
Angel MartinezCourtesy Photo

Feb. 12, 2025: Children’s shoe brand Jbrds has announced the formation of an advisory board, welcoming industry leaders Michael Browne, Phil MacMillan, and Becca Brown. According to Jbrds, Browne’s 25 years of experience at Adidas will be used to help bolster its efforts to streamline operations and enhance the company’s ability to deliver high-quality products to customers worldwide. As for MacMillan, his expertise spans industries from retail to consumer goods and in making homegrown brands like Herschel into household names. Brown is the former co-founder of Solemates, a global leader in footwear accessories featured on “Shark Tank.” She is an expert in building product-focused businesses that resonate with consumers. “As Jbrds enters a new phase of growth, we are honored to welcome industry leaders Michael, Phil, and Becca to our advisory board,” Mike Gugat, co-founder and chief executive officer of Jbrds, said. “Their combined expertise and proven leadership will convert to invaluable advice that will drive progress as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings to meet the needs of modern parents and their children.”