Blake Krueger's Path at WWW

1978 — Blake Krueger begins 
serving as outside legal counsel to Wolverine World Wide Inc.

1993 — Krueger joins the firm as general counsel and 
secretary.

— The company does business in 60 countries.

 1994  — Wolverine acquires the global license for Cat Footwear.

 1996  — Krueger is promoted to EVP, general counsel and secretary.

— The firm purchases 
the HyTest brand and Hush Puppies U.K. business.

 1997  — Wolverine buys the Merrell brand, the global license for Harley-
Davidson Footwear and the global license for Coleman Footgear.

 1999  — The company acquires the license for Stanley Footwear.

 2000  — Wolverine’s brands are sold in 140 countries with $701 million in annual sales.

 2001  — Merrell Europe is purchased.

— To support workers at Ground Zero following Sept. 11, 4,000 pairs of steel-toe and safety footwear are donated.

 2002 — The firm buys Caterpillar Europe.

— Annual sales hit $827.1 million.

 2003  — The Sebago brand is added.

— The company sells 41 million pairs of shoes in 150 countries.

 2004  — Krueger is named EVP and secretary of Wolverine World Wide and president of the Heritage Brands Group.

— Annual sales total $991.9 million.

— Wolverine wins Footwear News’ 
Company of the Year award.

 2005  — Krueger is promoted to 
president and COO.

— The firm acquires the global license for Patagonia Footwear.

— Sales reach $1.06 billion.

 2006  — Wolverine operates in 176 countries.

 2007  — Krueger is named president and CEO.

— Merrell apparel and Wolverine 
apparel debut.

 2008  — The company receives the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s Excellence in Lifestyle Branding Award.

 2009  — Wolverine acquires the Cushe and Chaco brands.

 2010  — Krueger is named chairman, CEO and president.

— Annual sales hit $1.25 billion.

 2011  — The firm’s brands are sold in 190 countries.

 2012  — Wolverine buys the Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Keds and Stride Rite labels from Collective Brands Inc.