Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Katherine Cousins is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in the retail and consumer goods industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of QUAY, she is responsible for driving the strategic vision and operational excellence of the innovative lifestyle brand. With a strong background in brand management, product development, and business transformation, Cousins brings a wealth of expertise to her current role.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Executive Officer of QUAY since March 2024, Cousins is tasked with leading the company's global expansion, enhancing brand positioning, and driving sustainable growth. Under her leadership, QUAY has experienced significant market share gains and solidified its position as a trendsetter in the eyewear and accessories industry.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Cousins held several senior leadership positions at Wolverine Worldwide, where she served as the Group President of the Lifestyle Brands division, overseeing the Sperry, Keds, and Hush Puppies brands. She also held the role of Global Brand President at Sperry, leading the brand's strategic repositioning and international expansion.
Earlier in her career, Cousins held various strategic roles at VF Corporation, including Vice President and General Manager of the Kodiak, Terra, and Work Authority brands, as well as Vice President of Strategy, Licensing, and Accessories for the Timberland brand. She also gained valuable experience in corporate development and investor relations during her tenure at The Timberland Company.
Academic Background
Cousins holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Law from Georgetown University. She also earned a degree in Political Science from Sciences Po, further enhancing her global perspective and strategic decision-making capabilities.
Areas of Expertise
- Brand management and positioning
- Product development and innovation
- Retail operations and supply chain optimization
- Global expansion and market entry strategy
- Transformational leadership and change management
- Stakeholder engagement and investor relations
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Cousins has demonstrated a track record of driving significant business impact. She has spearheaded successful brand revitalization initiatives, led collaborative cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects, and leveraged her strategic acumen to identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
Conclusion
With her extensive industry experience, proven leadership abilities, and forward-thinking mindset, Katherine Cousins is well-positioned to guide QUAY through its next phase of growth and solidify the brand's position as a global leader in the lifestyle and accessories space.
