K-Swiss has announced the return of Barney Waters as its International Brand President, marking a significant move for the footwear company. Waters, a seasoned professional in footwear and accessories, rejoins K-Swiss after a successful tenure as the president of Garrett Leight California Optical from July 2021 to August 2023.
With over eight years of prior experience at K-Swiss, including roles as Brand President and Chief Brand Officer, Waters brings a wealth of industry expertise. His return follows a track record of modernizing heritage brands and steering successful turnarounds in the footwear business.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Waters stated, «I love the footwear business, and over my career, I’ve specialized in modernizing heritage brands and turning brands around, so this is a great fit. I had some of my best years at K-Swiss, so I’m delighted to return and to be part of the brand’s future.»
Waters’ extensive background includes serving as the VP of International at Palladium Boots, later acquired by K-Swiss, and as the VP of Marketing for Puma from 2002 to 2007.
Victor Yan, CEO of Xtep International Holdings, the Chinese sports brand that acquired K-Swiss in 2019, expressed excitement about Waters’ return. «We are delighted to welcome the return of Barney Waters. Barney brings a wealth of industry expertise, having previously held senior positions at Puma, Palladium, and K-Swiss. Now he will join forces with us once again to embrace new challenges and contribute to our shared success.»
As part of Xtep International Holdings, K-Swiss is strategically positioned for growth, boasting a portfolio that includes renowned footwear brands like Saucony, Merrell, Palladium, and Xtep. Waters’ return is a strategic move to leverage his expertise in revitalizing heritage brands, enhancing K-Swiss’s competitive edge in the dynamic footwear market.
