Wolverine World Wide adds Unilever exec to board

Wolverine Worldwide has appointed Gina R. Boswell to the company's board of directors.



Boswell is EVP, personal care, for global food, personal care and household products company Unilever. She has held numerous senior leadership positions with other leading global companies, including Avon Products, Ford Motor Company and Estée Lauder Companies.



Boswell was included in the 2012 "Women to Watch" by AdAge magazine and was named an "Achiever of the Year" in 2011 by Cosmetic Executive Women. She also serves on the board of directors of ManpowerGroup.



"Gina Boswell is a well-rounded executive with a strong global perspective on the consumer marketplace, and I and my fellow directors are exceptionally pleased to have her join the board," stated Blake W. Krueger, the company's chairman and CEO. "She has an impressive track record of building global brands, executing business strategy and growing market share in international markets — all significant assets to our portfolio of 16 global lifestyle brands."



"Wolverine Worldwide is one of the very best footwear and lifestyle companies in the world," said Boswell. "Its portfolio contains some of today's most sought-after brands, and I could not be more pleased to join a company that has such an intent focus on design and innovation, global brand building and consumer connections."



Boswell is a graduate of Boston University and received a master's degree in public and private management from Yale University.



Unilever's products are sold in more than 190 countries and include global brands such as Dove, Lipton and Hellman's.



Wolverine World Wide is a leading marketer of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children's and uniform footwear and apparel. The company's portfolio of brands includes Merrell, Sperry Top-Sider, Hush Puppies, Saucony, Wolverine, Keds, Stride Rite, Sebago, Cushe, Chaco, Bates, Hytest and Soft Style. The company is alsovthe global footwear licensee of the Cat, Harley-Davidson and Patagonia brands. Its products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in approximately 200 countries and territories.