Kizik is adding to its executive team.
The hands-free footwear brand said on Tuesday that it has hired Elizabeth Drori as its new chief marketing officer. She will report to Kizik chief executive officer Monte Deere.
In her new role, the company said Drori will lead the development and execution of brand strategy while also overseeing marketing efforts across all consumer touchpoints, including brand, creative, communications, digital, and e-commerce.
Deere said in a statement that hiring Drori marks a “pivotal moment” for the company. “Her extensive background in marketing within the footwear industry, exceptional strategic insight and collaborative leadership style will be instrumental as we scale our direct-to-consumer, brick-and-mortar, and wholesale distribution channels worldwide,” the CEO said. “Elizabeth’s leadership and expertise will be a driving force in realizing our vision for future growth and innovation.”
Drori joins Kizik from Sperry, where she served as global chief marketing officer and general manager of the Sperry e-commerce business since 2020.
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Prior to Sperry, Drori headed up marketing for Walmart’s fashion business and held various roles at Converse, including global brand management, corporate and brand strategy, and international business development. She was also a consultant with Boston Consulting Group.
“I’m thrilled to join the innovative team at Kizik and build on the incredible foundation they have created,” Drori added. “As the leader in hands-free footwear, the Kizik product proposition is compelling, with endless growth potential. I look forward to being part of the magic that is Kizik and introducing the brand to new consumers around the world.”
The arrival of Drori comes as the brand doubles down on its retail strategy. Over the last two months, Kizik has opened new stores at the Mall of America and King of Prussia.
In an exclusive interview with FN in May, Deere said he plans to have a total of six stores by the end of 2024 with new openings on Newbury Street in Boston, New Jersey and Denver slated for later this year. “In 2025, we have several more in the pipeline,” the CEO said. “We’re looking hard at Washington, D.C., Nashville, Seattle and Portland for new openings next year.”
All told, Deere said he plans to have a total of 15 stores by the end of next year.
Along with this ambitious store growth, Deere is also focused on building the brand’s wholesale business, which launched last spring with Nordstrom. Now, Deere said consumers can find the brand at Scheels, Von Maur and all 174 Brown’s Shoe Fit locations. “Our initial expectations for our further push into wholesale was to open 100 doors by the end of 2024,” the CEO said in May. “With these new partners, it looks like we are going to be in closer to 500 doors this year.”
