Red Wing promotes Allison Gettings to CEO

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Oct 21, 2022

Red Wing Shoe Company announced on Thursday the appointment of Allison Gettings to the role of president and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2023.

Gettings, who is currently president, will assume the role of CEO following the planned retirement of Mark Urdahl, who has served as the company's CEO since 2016.

Joining Red Wing some 14 years ago, Gettings has worked in a variety of roles. During this time, she lead the launch of Red Wing's Women's Heritage product line, reimagined the company's outdoor business as president of its Vasque brand and helped deliver a seamless omnichannel customer experience.

In her most recent position as president, Gettings established the company's first dedicated corporate social responsibility department, which is focused on further advancing Red Wing Shoe Company's environmental and community commitments.

Moreover, the new CEO is the great granddaughter of J.R. Sweasy, who served as president and CEO from 1921-1949 and the first fourth-generation family member to run the company, according to the Minnesota-based company.

​"Allison is the right choice to lead Red Wing and build upon the important work that Mark has led to position the company for the future," said chairman of the board, Bill Sweasy.

"She brings a deep understanding of the company's business, customers and values, having worked across many different functions over more than a decade at the company. She's widely respected for her strategic thinking and ability to bring people together, and I am confident that she's prepared to guide Red Wing Shoe Company as it enters its next chapter. I also want to thank Mark for his many contributions and leadership over the past 18 years, including the past seven as CEO/president during an unprecedented time amid the global pandemic."

​Founded in 1905 in Red Wing, the namesake company's portfolio of brands includes Red Wing Shoes, Irish Setter, Vasque, Worx, and S.B. Foot Tanning Company.

​Red Wing's brands are distributed in more than 110 countries, via 700+ Red Wing branded retail outlets, third-party partners, and owned e-commerce platforms.