**Caleres Appoints First-Ever Design Chief**.
**Caleres Inc.**, the footwear giant behind brands such as Famous Footwear, has appointed its first-ever Chief Design Officer, signaling a strategic shift towards design-led innovation..
**Minnie Kwon** has been tapped for the newly created role, effective immediately. Kwon boasts an impressive track record in the footwear industry, having previously held leadership positions at Nike and New Balance..
**Strategic Shift**.
Caleres’ decision to appoint a Chief Design Officer reflects a growing recognition within the industry that design is a key differentiator in driving brand loyalty and profitability. By elevating design to a C-suite level, Caleres aims to foster a culture of innovation and creativity across its portfolio of brands..
**Kwon’s Vision**.
In her new role, Kwon will oversee all aspects of design for Caleres’ owned and licensed brands, including Famous Footwear, Naturalizer, Dr. Scholl’s, and Allen Edmonds. She will work closely with brand presidents and design teams to create cohesive and compelling product lines that resonate with target consumers..
Kwon brings a deep understanding of the footwear market and a strong passion for design to her new role. She believes that design has the power to transform businesses and connect with customers on an emotional level..
**Industry Reaction**.
Industry experts see Caleres’ appointment of a Chief Design Officer as a positive move that could help the company differentiate itself in a competitive market..
