Noreen Naroo-Pucci, the new Merrell product managerwill expand the lifestyle offering of the hiking and footwear brand.
“Merrell’s strategic evolution in the lifestyle segment meets the growing demand for versatile footwear that seamlessly transitions from outdoor adventures to everyday urban life,” reads the parent company’s press release Wolverine Worldwide. “The brand is inspired by a trend where consumers are seeking products that support an active, outdoor-inspired lifestyle, even in their daily routines. »
Naroo-Pucci brings three decades of experience to the role. She was previously the product director at Mizzen + Main, a menswear brand that uses performance fabrics. Prior to that, she was senior vice president of design, menswear, at Calvin Klein, and spent 11 years at Under Armor as senior creative director and vice president of global design engine.
“Merrell is a brand that understands the evolution of the outdoor space and is dedicated to creating strong, useful footwear, and I am excited to work with this talented team to create innovative products to empower our consumers,” said Naroo-Pucci in a press release.
She also worked as a consultant for Merrell from September to December. The brand returned to growth and gained market share in its latest quarterly results.
“We are thrilled to have Noreen join us,” Janice Tennant, global brand president of Merrell, said in a statement. “With her extensive experience working globally with leading brands, her passion for innovation and high design, and her commitment to building high-performing teams, she will help us continue to modernize the brand to to attract the next generation of outdoor consumers. »
Naroo-Pucci has also taught at MICA at John Hopkins University, the New School at Parsons School of Design, and the Fashion Institute of Technology. She also served on two design boards in Baltimore.
“I look forward to bringing my passion for products to Merrell as I lead with vision and integrity as we bring style and functionality to everyday urban environments,” said Naroo-Pucci.