Foot Locker Hires Nike Exec to Lead WSS Banner — Retail Bum

Foot Locker has appointed Nike veteran Blanca Gonzalez as WSS brand’s senior vice president and general manager.

Gonzalez brings nearly two decades of experience working for Nike, focusing on marketing, merchandising and sales. In her most recent position, she served as the vice president of North America product merchandising.

“I am honored to join Foot Locker as general manager of the WSS banner,” Gonzalez said. “I have watched WSS grow its footprint in Latino communities by investing in authentic and culturally relevant touch points with its customers.”

“WSS has proven to demonstrate a high level of cultural awareness that honors and respects the richness of the Latino experience,” she added.

Gonzalez’s role will become effective May 15, 2023, and she will report to Frank Bracken, Footlocker’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

“Blanca’s vast knowledge of the sneaker industry attained throughout her tenure with our great partner Nike will be an incredible asset to our WSS business, which has tremendous potential,” Bracken said.

“Blanca’s remarkable experience, understanding of our diverse customers, and personal roots within WSS’s home turf will help deepen our relationships within communities and expand WSS’s unique offering of culturally connected experiences, he added. “She will also help us build the talent and operational capabilities to rapidly scale WSS, making it our next 1 billion dollar banner.”

Foot Locker acquired WSS for $750 million in 2021.

Originally published at https://retailbum.com on May 9, 2023.