K-Swiss names new lifestyle president

Footwear brand K-Swiss has appointed Andrew Richard to the role of vice president of lifestyle.

In his new role, Richard will lead lifestyle sales for the Americas region, including the wholesale sales team and K-Swiss distributors. He will report to Barney Waters, who rejoined K-Swiss as its international brand president in November.

“Andrew’s combination of sales, strategy, planning and merchandising makes him the perfect fit,” Waters said. “As we evolve the brand with a wider, and more premium assortment, his skillset and experience will be extremely valuable.”

Richard joins K-Swiss from FootBalance System, where he served as VP/GM of North America.

Prior to FootBalance System, Richard held leadership roles across product merchandising, business planning and sales at several footwear companies. Past roles include VP of North America commerce at Asics; global head of footwear merchandising at Puma Group; senior director of footwear merchandising for North America at Timberland; national sales director for better department stores at Reebok; and strategic channel and key account executive at Nike. 

“I’m delighted to join a brand with such a storied history, and so much future potential,” Andrew said. “Leaning on K-Swiss’ leadership in tennis to build a lifestyle business is a big opportunity.”

Chinese sports brand Xtep International Holdings acquired K-Swiss from E-Land Footwear USA Holdings, Inc., reportedly for $260 million, in 2019.

The Hong Kong-based Xtep’s portfolio also includes footwear brands Saucony, Merrell, Palladium and Xtep.