Heelys announced today that they have made several staff changes to implement their 2010 business plan. Ryan Wills has been promoted to Director of Innovation. Wills primary responsibilities will be driving new product design and development. He will also work across the board with the marketing group to create packaging, in-store merchandising materials and communications programs for these new products.
Chris Harper has been promoted to Vice President of Sales and Retail Relationships. In this role Harper will build on his previous retail responsibilities and will work directly with retailers to build specific sales programs as well as product and promotional concepts to drive sales in their particular stores. In doing so he will work closely with Heelys' outside sales representatives, customer service, marketing and product development to ensure that retailers have what they need to succeed with the Heelys brand.
In addition to these promotions, Heelys has named Rick Groesch Vice President of Brand Engagement. Groesch's responsibilities include consumer insights, planning, web site development, marketing partnerships, licensing, media properties and brand events. Groesch brings blue chip experience having spent eleven years in marketing General Motors products, three years as Global Director of Sports Marketing in the Samsung organization, based in Seoul, South Korea and two years with Gaylord Sports developing sports properties, endorsement opportunities for the professional athletes they represented and PGA and LPGA Tour events.
"We're putting a structure in place to reshape and revitalize the company and the Heelys brand," said Tom Hansen, Heelys CEO. "We've made new products a priority. We're committed to giving retailers exactly what they need in product, promotion and partnerships to succeed with us. And we're going to take advantage of the many licensing opportunities, marketing partnerships and media properties available to us to increase brand exposure and drive sales. These changes with Ryan, Chris and Rick will help us deliver in these three key areas."
About Heelys, Inc.
Heelys, Inc. designs, markets and distributes innovative, action sports-inspired products under the HEELYS(R) brand targeted to the youth market. The Company's primary product, HEELYS-wheeled footwear, is patented dual-purpose footwear that incorporates a stealth, removable wheel in the heel. HEELYS-wheeled footwear allows the user to seamlessly transition from walking or running to rolling by shifting weight to the heel. Users can transform HEELYS-wheeled footwear into street footwear by removing the wheel. HEELYS-wheeled footwear provides users with a unique combination of fun and style that differentiates it from other footwear and wheeled sports products.
Contacts:
Heelys, Inc.
Tom Hansen / Chief Executive Officer
Rick Groesch
/ Vice President Brand Management
972-559-2300
