KEEN Invests in Global Growth, Welcoming the Talents of Christy Saito Rob Langstaff to its Leadership Team

With more than 35 years of collective footwear industry experience, Saito and Langstaff bring fresh talent as KEEN builds into the future.  

PORTLAND, Ore. (February 9, 2016) – Continuing its strong commitment to building a healthier planet and protecting the places we play, while providing KEEN fans around the world with innovative and category-defying product, KEEN, the leading manufacturer of original hybrid footwear, welcomes two new leaders to the team.

Christy Saito joins KEEN as Vice President, Global Product Merchandising – Outdoor and Lifestyle, and Rob Langstaff will serve as Vice President, International. Collectively, the duo brings more than 35 years of business experience to KEEN, and together they are poised to lead product evolution and deepen the brands relationships with retailers and fans around the world.

“This is a pivotal time in KEEN’s history. We are putting added focus on what we do best; category-defying product for the performance outdoor and lifestyle markets,” said Steve Meineke, KEEN President. “To help in that quest, we are complementing the talent of our already stellar team with the experience of two industry leaders. With Christy’s focus and understanding of KEEN’s existing and new fans, and Rob’s track record with growing global brands, we will continue to build on these insights to create meaningful product lines that will excite consumers and change the marketplace in the U.S. and around the world.”

Saito brings more than 17 years of footwear and consumer product marketing experience and “fan-first” approach to her newly created role at KEEN. Prior to KEEN, Saito served as Global VP of Merchandising and Product Management at Crocs, growing the business from $650M to $1.2B. Saito also spent seven years at Nike in roles ranging from global footwear product director of women's training to kid’s sport footwear product. A strong fit for KEEN, Saito will work alongside the KEEN executive team and GMs to lead the product planning, merchandising, and go-to-market strategy and process for the outdoor, lifestyle, and UNEEK footwear categories as the brand continues its dedication to growing these business units and best-in-class product offerings. 

“I am excited and honored to be joining KEEN as part of a committed global team focused on serving and supporting our fans in the outdoor community through innovative, quality products and meaningful, game-changing initiatives,” said Saito.

Prior to joining KEEN, Langstaff served as SVP at Brooks Running, growing operations and sales while expanding its global footprint in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Possessing an acute international business sense, extensive knowledge of the footwear industry, and successful track record of brand growth, Langstaff spent 17 years abroad in operations and product development at adidas Germany and Japan. He will lead KEEN’s international business operations and strategy to accelerate double-digit growth and work alongside the KEEN executive team and regional GMs in EMEA, Canada, Japan, APAC, and Latin America to create global strategy and execution across KEEN’s Outdoor Lifestyle and Kid’s growing business. Langstaff’s more than 20 years in the sporting goods industry, passion, and international trade acumen make him a great cultural fit for KEEN.

“I’m honored to join the KEEN team. My family and I have always lived a HYBRID life and I am fortunate to be able to combine my professional skills and personal values in building the great KEEN brand globally,” said Langstaff.

The investment in Saito and Langstaff continues KEEN’s vision for building an enduring brand as it enters its second decade of business, and bolsters product and brand awareness and operations efficiency worldwide. Over the last 18 months, KEEN has made key new hires to the executive team, global supply chain, product team, and creative and marketing teams, that will spur the brand and its dedication to innovation and merit into the future.

For more about KEEN, please visit: keenfootwear.com.

About KEEN

Inspired by a love of the outdoors, KEEN, Inc., manufacturer of hybrid outdoor and casual products, including footwear, clothing, and accessories, is dedicated to creating quality products that support the lifestyles and outdoor adventures of active people around the world. KEEN products can be found online and through more than 5,000 retail locations in more than 60 countries, as well as in KEEN Garage retail stores in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The company’s operations and culture reflect a stand-out commitment to building a strong community and a healthier planet so that all can create, play, and care, and KEEN’s Live Monumental campaign advocates for the protection of public lands. Learn more at http://www.keenfootwear.com.

MEDIA CONTACT | Keith Cozzens | Verde Brand Communications | keith@verdepr.com | 970.259.3555 x122