Caleres has named Michael Edwards president of Famous Footwear, effective Nov. 20, 2020, replacing Molly Adams, who resigned to pursue an opportunity outside the organization.
Edwards, who joined the St. Lous-based company in 2008, most recently served as senior vice president of digital commerce, planning, allocation and stores. Prior to that he has held roles of increasing responsibility in Famous Footwear including time as chief customer officer, senior vice president of merchandise planning and analytics and vice president, sales and store operations.
“Mike is a capable and successful leader who has seen the business through every lens,” states Diane Sullivan, Chairman, President and CEO. “I am confident he will use his institutional knowledge and his extensive digital commerce, operating, product and marketing experience to further the positive momentum within our largest brand. His deep understanding of the Famous customer and strong leadership abilities will be essential as we remain focused on growing sales and profit, executing on consumer strategies and delivering the Famous vision. We want to be the first and only choice for family footwear. The board and senior executive team look forward to working closely with Mike to make that happen.”
With Edwards’ breadth of experience and knowledge base in all areas from strategy to stores, he is uniquely positioned to lead Caleres’ largest brand. Most recently, he was instrumental in navigating the business through the economic shutdown, during which he played a critical role in reopening and operating the stores and pivoting Famous Footwear to successfully meet the evolving needs of its customer base including leading the brand’s digital growth initiatives, implementation of QuadPay, the rollout of curbside service at more than 600 locations and the coordination of increased store fulfillment activities.
“I have a true passion for this business, the utmost confidence in the Famous go-forward strategy, and I am honored to lead this significant part of the Caleres portfolio,” Edwards says. “Famous Footwear is expertly positioned to excel in any market environment through our ability to offer the national brands she wants, when and where she wants to shop—online and in-store. Athletic and sport-inspired styles, our sweet spot, are exactly what the customer is looking for in this environment. We have the right team and tools in place to leverage what we’ve learned, build upon our successes, advance our goals and deliver value to all of our stakeholders.”
Michael Edwards (photo: Business Wire)
