Footwear industry veteran Greg Tunney has joined KNS International as its new chief executive officer.
Tunney, who also joined the Utah-based footwear company’s board of directors in 2023, is now tasked with continuing to enhance KNS International’s market position and fostering long-term growth and profitability across its branded portfolio, which includes Journee, Taft and Vance.
The executive joins KNS International from Manitobah Mukluks, where he served as president and CEO for nearly three years. Previously, Tunney served as the global brand president of Hush Puppies, president and CEO of RG Barry, and chief operating officer at Phoenix Footwear Group.
Tunney has also held positions as chairman of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) and chairman of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation. He is the chairman and founder of MyStep Global and has sat as an adjunct professor in the MBA programs at The Ohio State University and the University of Utah.
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Michael Schnabel, senior partner at Centre Partners, a private equity firm which has a controlling interest in KNS International, said in a statement that Tunney’s expertise, passion for product innovation, and leadership style make him an “incredible fit” for KNS as the company executes on its long-term strategic growth plan. “His commitment to excellence and multiple decades of industry experience will enhance our competitive edge significantly,” Schnabel said.
“I was drawn to KNS by its strong portfolio of brands, unique business model and capabilities, and best-in-class talent among its ranks,” Tunney added. “The company has experienced impressive growth to date under Centre Partners’ ownership and I see significant opportunity for that to compound over the coming years.”
Tunney’s appointment comes just weeks after KNS International introduced a slate of new leaders. In May, the company hired Marisa Byrne, a former Deckers and Caleres executive, as president of the Journee women’s division. Joining her is Mark Higgins, a former Kohl’s and DSW leader, who was named vice president of sales for the Journee women’s division.
At the company’s Taft and Vance men’s divisions, Cameron Eggertz was recently named president, while Aubrey King was appointed vice president of sales.
Additionally, Raquel Langhaim joined the company as marketing director for the Taft and Vance men’s division, and Jason Jones, formerly of Genesco’s Johnston & Murphy brand, was named as a special advisor over product for the Taft and Vance men’s division.
