Keen has a new president.
The outdoor standout has named industry veteran Casey Sheahan to the position. Sheahan — who has more than 35 years in the outdoor, athletic, and publishing industries — will be based in Keen’s headquarters in Portland, Ore. and will officially assume the role on Nov. 14.
The exec had been out of the workforce for two years after retiring from Patagonia, where he was president and CEO, in 2014.
“I’ve been on [Keen’s] board for the last two years, so I’ve really gotten to know the company and all the great people working there,” Sheahan told FN. “It’s really the only brand that I would consider coming out of retirement for because I share their values — it’s a very values-driven company — and I enjoyed being a part of that after being at Patagonia for nine years.”
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In true outdoor spirit, Sheahan said that he has spent much of the past two years fishing around the world. Aside from those expeditions, Keen’s new president served on four boards — Vibram’s, Grundens’ and Johnson Outdoor,’s in addition to Keen’s. Sheahan is still on the board of Johnson Outdoor.
Sheahan will take over for Keen’s current president, Steve Meineke, who is set to retire in November. Meineke will remain a member of Keen’s advisory council.
“We are thrilled to bring on such an experienced and respected leader to help meet the demands of our growing business and to perpetuate our values,” Meineke said in a statement.
In Sheahan’s new role, Keen said, he’ll provide leadership across the organization and help bolster the brand’s place in the global outdoor and lifestyle market. He will also lead the expansion of Keen’s global fan base through product innovation and environmentally focused efforts, including the Live Monumental campaign and Keen Effect.
