by Larry Eder
Todd Lewis is one of the finest Shoe Geeks on the planet. That is his the highest praise I can give to a person who can build consistently excellent product, and there are, dear readers, only a handful of people who can do that. Todd Lewis puts passion and knowledge into his product.
When I heard that he was going to the Mizuno team, I was quite pleased.
Quite simply, Mark Sheehan is showing his touch at Mizuno by bringing in fine people into this iconic brand.
Congrats Todd!
TODD LEWIS JOINS MIZUNO AS GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF
PERFORMANCE RUNNING
Running Product Veteran Ready to Lead Global Running Footwear Design Team in Portland
Norcross, GA. (April 23, 2015) – Mizuno USA, a global leader in sports footwear, apparel and equipment, welcomes running product veteran, Todd Lewis, to the Mizuno family as Global Director of Performance Running – Footwear. Lewis will lead the direction of Mizuno performance running footwear design and development globally, with specific focus on the Americas region. He will also be responsible to build and develop talent at Mizuno’s Portland Running Center of Excellence. While Lewis will be part of the global product team headquartered in Japan, he will work closely with newly hired, Mark Sheehan, Vice President – Product Management, Running Division, and Dick Lyons, SVP/GM – Product Divisions.
“Todd injects critical capabilities and enthusiasm to our global running footwear product team,” said Bob Puccini, President of Mizuno USA and Director of Mizuno Corporation. “He brings years of valuable, first-hand insights about the category, and we are excited to unleash his creative perspective and expressions about our brand. Moreover, this showcases our continued commitment to accelerated growth and global leadership.”
“The northwest is such a vital region to be in if you are in the running industry, so it was critical we find inspiration and talent locally,” said Sheehan. “Todd has a contagious passion for the sport and an awesome leadership style that will help foster new ideas and growth for Mizuno. His background as an athlete, business professional and idea maker will push our innovation in running footwear.”
Lewis joins Mizuno USA with more than 15 years of experience in the running business with specific focus on footwear. He began his career at the ground level as a technical running specialist with Nike, Inc. and methodically worked his way to the product team while gaining more responsibilities and leadership with each transition. Most recently, Lewis was Global Footwear Product Director at Columbia Sportswear where he managed design and development for all footwear brands, including Sorel, Columbia and Montrail, and set product direction for all footwear product lines. Lewis also has had athletic success as a five-time All-American Track & Field athlete at Arizona State University, and also qualified for the 1992 and 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials.
“Mizuno is a brand that is always in the mix amongst runners, and I have always had a lot respect for Mizuno product – the quality, the cushion and the ride – not to mention, Mizuno’s position as a specialty brand struck a chord,” said Lewis. “I see massive potential at Mizuno, and I am ready for the challenge.”
Lewis officially starts at the Mizuno Running Center of Excellence in Portland on May 4.
About Mizuno USA, Inc.
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes baseball, golf, softball, running, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Ga.
