What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Caleres, a leading global footwear company, has announced the appointment of Kathleen Welter as its new Chief Human Resources Officer. Welter will be responsible for overseeing all human resources functions across the company's diverse portfolio of brands and its workforce of over 9,000 associates worldwide. Her duties will include recruitment, talent management, training, culture, compensation, benefits, and labor law compliance. Welter will join the company's leadership team and report directly to President and CEO Jay Schmidt. She will be based in St. Louis. Welter brings nearly three decades of HR experience, having previously served as Vice President of Human Resources at Woodard & Curran and as a senior consultant at Talent Equation. She is returning to Caleres, where she previously held roles as Director of Talent Management and Vice President of Talent Strategy and Leadership Continuity.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Kathleen Welter as Chief Human Resources Officer is significant for Caleres as it aims to strengthen its leadership team and enhance its human resources strategies. Welter's extensive experience in aligning talent with strategic vision and organizational objectives is expected to benefit Caleres in its efforts to maintain a competitive edge in the global footwear market. Her expertise in executive recruitment, succession planning, and HR integration of acquisitions will be crucial as Caleres continues to expand its brand portfolio and adapt to changing market dynamics. This move underscores the company's commitment to fostering a strong organizational culture and ensuring effective talent management, which are vital for sustaining growth and innovation.
What's Next?
Doug Koch, the current Chief Human Resources Officer, will remain at Caleres for a 30-day transition period to assist Welter and support special projects until his retirement at the end of the year. This transition period will allow for a smooth handover of responsibilities and ensure continuity in HR operations. As Welter settles into her new role, she is expected to implement strategies that align with Caleres' long-term goals, focusing on enhancing employee engagement and optimizing HR processes. The company may also see further developments in its talent management and organizational design initiatives as Welter leverages her experience to drive these efforts forward.
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