Collective Brands Names Keds President

Collective Brands Performance + Lifestyle Group (Lexington, Mass.) appointed Rick Blackshaw president of the Keds brand. He succeeds Kristin Kohler Burrows who recently departed the position to pursue career opportunities closer to her home in New York.

Blackshaw’s career includes experience with brands including Converse, Timberland and the former division of Reebok, Avia. He most recently served as vp and general manager for the Chuck Taylor All Star Division of Converse Inc.

In his new role, Blackshaw will lead all functions of the Keds team, including product design and development, sales, marketing, merchandise planning and operations.