Senior appointment at US footwear brand
The US footwear conglomerate, Steven Madden has announced the promotion of Rob Schmertz, 37, to the newly created position of president of Diva Acquisition Corp., the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary that designs, produces, and markets the David Aaron footwear brand.
Mr. Schmertz, who has 17 years of experience in the footwear industry, has been with Steven Madden, Ltd. since May 1998. In this new role, he will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the David Aaron business, further building the brand and overseeing the growth of both the wholesale and retail segments of the division.
Mr. Schmertz will also retain his title of president of Shoe Biz, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Steven Madden, Ltd. that sells high-end footwear, including the Company's brands, at affordable prices in four retail locations.
Mr. Schmertz has an extensive background in the footwear industry, with experience that bridges both wholesale and retail. Prior to joining Steven Madden, Ltd. he spent four years as the East Coast sales manager with Impo International and three years as a sales representative for Esprit. Rob began his career in 1984 as an associate buyer with Macy's.
