Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> December 15, 1997
GEOFFREY B. BLOOM is Chairman and CEO of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. He
joined Wolverine World Wide, Inc. in 1987 as a Director, President and
Chief Operating Officer. Following the retirement of the CEO in 1992, he
became the senior officer of the company while the board of directors
conducted a search for a CEO replacement. Geof launched a strategic plan
to divest underperforming assets, to invest in growing core businesses
and restore the Company's growth initiatives. On the basis of 1992
results, he was elected CEO in 1993. Under Geof's leadership, WWW
increased global footwear sales from approximately 18 million pairs in
1992 to 30 million pairs in 1995. Net sales increased 46 percent and net
earnings quadrupled during the same period. The stock price, adjusted
for three 3-for-2 stock splits, rose from $3.25 to $27.00 Wolverine
World Wide, Inc. was voted "1995 Footwear Company of the Year" in the
annual FOOTWEAR NEWS poll of the shoe industry retailers, suppliers and
marketers. The Hush Puppies Brand was named "1995 Accessory of the Year"
by the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America. He was
elected Chairman of the Board and CEO in 1996. Prior to joining
Wolverine World Wide, Inc., Geof served six years as president and CEO
of Jaymar Ruby, Inc., a subsidiary of Hartmarx, Inc. Mr. Bloom is a
director of Comshare, Inc. and a past director of Julius Marlow Holdings
Ltd., Melbourne, Australia. He is a Director of Footwear Industries of
America, the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, and Kendall College of Art
and Design. A native of Newton, Massachusetts, he is an alumnus of
Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania; and Boston University Law
School. He is married and has three children. Profile
obviously tell us what the company is doing today.
Mr. Bloom: How much time have you got? The company is a 114
