Company veteran returns to lead restructured Rockport

Canton, Mass. -- A Rockport veteran is returning to head up the company he left more than 30 years ago.



On Monday, investment firm Berkshire Partners and New Balance Holding completed their acquisition of The Rockport Company from the Adidas Group. As part of the transaction, New Balance affiliate Drydock Footwear will join with Rockport to form The Rockport Group. Bob Infantino was named CEO of the reorganized company.



Drydock was founded in May 2011 when Infantino joined with New Balance to create an independent business committed to delivering comfortable dress and casual shoes across three brands: Cobb Hill, Aravon and Dunham.



Infantino joined Rockport in its early years, working alongside company founders Bruce and Saul Katz.



“Serendipity aside, bringing Drydock and Rockport under one roof is a natural evolution for both companies,” said Infantino. “Since the beginning, Rockport’s core business has been its men’s line, while Drydock’s strength is in its women’s brand, Cobb Hill. Together they set The Rockport Group on a very exciting path for growth.”