The president of UGG, Connie Rishwain, has announced that she will be leaving the company after 20 years.
Rishwain said that the reason for her departure is to spend more time with her family and to pursue other interests. She looks fondly on her time with the retailer:
“I am incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved during my long tenure with the company, none more so than evolving the UGG brand into a $1.5bn global, premium lifestyle brand”, stated Rishwain.
The departure comes after the brand‘s owner, Deckers, experienced some disappointing results in January, when the company‘s shares fell 13.7%
With demand for UGG boots faltering, Deckers reduced its growth forecast to 11% in 2015 from 15%. This has prevented the parent company relying too much on UGG, which currently makes up 90% of the company‘s overall revenue.
Rishwain leaves the business at an appropriate time, as Deckers pushes for further recognition for its other shoe brands:
“I‘ve decided that now is the right time to start the next chapter in my life and allow new leadership to further build on the strong foundation we‘ve created”, Rishwain adds.
Angel Martinez, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Directors responded:
“Connie embodies the best qualities of our organization. Her creative vision has helped propel the UGG brand to new heights year after year”.
It is not yet known who will take over Rishwain‘s role as President of Ugg and Fashion and Lifestyle Brands. However, with Deckers holding a 40 year history building footwear brands, which holds Ugg at the forefront of the business, the next candidate will have some big shoes to fill.
