Footwear brand adds two new exec positions

Long Island City, N.Y. -- Steve Madden has made two key executive promotions.



The company announced that Amelia Newton Varela has been named to the newly created position of president, and Karla Frieders has been appointed to the newly created position of chief merchandising officer.



Varela has more than 17 years of experience with Steve Madden in various roles, most recently as executive VP of wholesale.



Frieders has more than 16 years of experience with Steve Madden in various roles, most recently as executive VP of product development.



“Amelia and Karla started with the company when they were just out of school – Amelia in customer service and Karla in the stores. Over the years, I’ve been proud to watch them develop into seasoned executives and outstanding leaders that are imbued with the Steve Madden ethos. I know they will be great in their new roles,” said Steve Madden, founder and creative and design chief.