Timberland (Stratham, N. H.) has tapped ex-Nike executive Archie McEachern for the newly created role of VP and Chief Merchandising Officer. In that post, McEachern will lead Timberland’s Global Merchandising team “to drive integrated, profitable global merchandising strategies and product stories across footwear, apparel and accessories,” the company said in a news release emailed to VMSD.com.
McEachern brings extensive global merchandising experience to Timberland, gained through nearly 30 years with Nike in various product and merchandising roles. He most recently served as CEO of 360 Hoops, a start-up basketball business.
The company says McEachern’s hire completes the transformation of Timberland’s global product organization, which earlier this year brought footwear and apparel together under one leader (Chris McGrath, VP, Global Product Design & Development) to fuel an integrated design and innovation approach to meet and exceed the needs of consumers worldwide.
“With Archie’s breadth of merchandising experience, not to mention his strong leadership skills and boundless energy, we are now running on all cylinders and ready to propel our brand, and business, into the future,” said Susie Mulder, Timberland’s Global Brand President.
Timberland footwear, apparel and accessories are available in about 260 of its own stores, along with a variety of other retailers. It is a unit of VF Corp., which also owns Vans, The North Face and Dickies.