Murphy takes helm at Red Wing Shoes
Red Wing Shoe Co. of Red Wing, Minnesota – the company behind the ‘Clapton Classics’ brand of footwear - has named David D. Murphy as its new president and chief operating officer.
Murphy replaces Bill Sweasy, who retains the title of chief executive officer and will become chairman of the board, retaining responsibility for the company's two wholly owned subsidiaries - S.B. Foot Tanning Co. and the St. James Hotel Corp. - as well as community relations and oversight of Red Wing Shoe.
In his new capacity, Murphy will oversee daily operations of the privately held company, which has been forced to make layoffs recently because of the economic downturn. Speaking to the local press, however, both Sweasy and Murphy said they were confident the company could continue to ride out the recession while retaining its independence.
