There are some new faces on the executive leadership team of Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA). As of June 1st, Rick Muskat, Principal of Deer Stags Concepts, will take over as Chairman of FDRA; he previously held several leadership roles including Vice Chairman. Steve Madden CEO Ed Rosenfeld has been named the new Vice Chairman. Wolverine Worldwide President of Global Operations Mike Jeppesen will be treasurer. And Greg Tunney, President/CEO of the RG Barry Corporation and current FDRA Chairman, will assume the title of Ex-Officio member of the FDRA Executive Committee.
“Rick has been active with FDRA for nearly a decade, and he is well known as a person who lives and breathes the footwear industry. When he talks to people about the business, they listen. I am confident Rick will use his experience to help sharpen our services and efforts to make us more efficient and effective for the industry,” says FDRA President Matt Priest of Muskat’s appointment. “I’m also pleased that Ed Rosenfeld will continue to serve in our leadership team, now as Vice Chairman. Ed brings a great perspective to how we should operate and was key to our financial transformation to help us grow over the past two years,” Priest adds.
“FDRA is at its most active and effective position in decades, and I am looking forward to expanding our membership ranks and services over the next two years,” Muskat declares. Among the goals for his tenure are eliminating duties on footwear from Vietnam, which he aims to achieve “by engaging policymakers in more innovative and aggressive advocacy campaigns.”
“I believe in FDRA and the tremendous value it provides footwear companies across the country,” Rosenfeld states. “I look forward to how we can engage the industry over the next two years, and help them understand how FDRA can help boost their business.”
Jeppesen says he’s pleased to join the FDRA’s leadership team during an exciting time in the footwear business. “I’ve always been impressed with the quality of support [FDRA provides] the industry,” he says.
