Caleres Appoints Kathleen Welter as Chief Human Resources Officer to Oversee Global HR Functions

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 managing all human resources functions across Caleres' portfolio of brands, which includes Famous Footwear, Sam Edelman, and others. Her role will encompass recruitment, talent management, training, culture, compensation, benefits, and labor law compliance for over 9,000 associates worldwide. Welter will join the company's leadership team and report directly to President and CEO Jay Schmidt. She brings nearly three decades of HR experience, having previously served as Vice President of Human Resources at Woodard & Curran, where she led senior executive recruitment and succession planning. Welter is returning to Caleres, where she previously held positions as Director of Talent Management and Vice President of Talent Strategy.

Why It's Important?

The appointment of Kathleen Welter as Chief Human Resources Officer is significant for Caleres as it aims to strengthen its HR functions and align talent with strategic objectives. Welter's extensive experience in HR management and her previous tenure at Caleres suggest she is well-equipped to drive the company's human resources strategy forward. Her expertise in talent alignment and organizational development is expected to enhance Caleres' ability to attract and retain top talent, which is crucial for maintaining its competitive edge in the global footwear market. This move could positively impact the company's operational efficiency and employee satisfaction, ultimately contributing to its long-term growth and success.

What's Next?

Doug Koch, the current Chief Human Resources Officer, will remain at Caleres for a 30-day transition period to ensure a smooth handover to Kathleen Welter. Following this transition, Koch will support special projects until his retirement at the end of the year. As Welter assumes her new role, she is likely to focus on integrating her strategic vision into the company's HR practices, potentially leading to new initiatives in talent management and organizational development. Stakeholders, including employees and investors, will be watching closely to see how her leadership influences the company's HR policies and overall corporate culture.