Collective Brands Inc. (Topeka, Kan.) announced that chairman and ceo Matthew Rubel has resigned effective immediately. The company, which owns Payless and the footwear brands Stride Rite, Saucony, Sperry Top-Sider, Keds and Robeez, is searching for a replacement.
Michael Massey, a 15-year veteran at the company, has been named the interim ceo and D. Scott Olivet has been named the company's non-executive chairman.
Rubel, who became ceo in 2005, says he would be pursuing “a new chapter” in his career, but provided no further details. He career also includes stints at Nike Inc.'s Cole Haan division, where he was chairman and ceo.