OnlineShoes.com Salutes 2014 with Invigorated Leadership

SEATTLE, Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Changes are afoot at OnlineShoes.com, as the nation's first online shoe retailer, a privately owned company, kicks off the new year with both promotions and new hires to positions of leadership.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140129/SF54590)

"It's testament to our exceptional staff that we enjoy a long history of filling a variety of key and executive positions from within," says OnlineShoes.com founder and CEO Dan Gerler. "The first month of 2014 sees a winning combination of outstanding new hires and promotions that are tailor-made to take our company to the next level."

Bob Barton has been named President and Chief Operating Officer, placing him at the helm of strategic planning, business development and daily operations, overseeing departments that include marketing, merchandising, software development and technology, order fulfillment, customer care and finance and accounting. Bob Barton has over 13 years of e-commerce experience and has been with OnlineShoes.com since October 2009, engaged in all aspects of the business and serving in an ever-expanding role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the company, Bob was the CFO of Cranium, managing the sale of that business to Hasbro, and was at Drugstore.com for nine years, serving as CFO and VP of Operations, as well as filling the role of interim CEO.

"OnlineShoes.com has created a unique online experience that truly caters to the needs of the customer, and by filling those needs we have seen dramatic growth over the last four years," says Barton. "With a continued focus on the customer experience, great brand relationships and passionate team members, I am excited about the continuing growth opportunity OnlineShoes.com offers."

Brad Shank, who recently began his fifth year with OnlineShoes.com, has been promoted from the position of controller to that of Vice President of Finance.

The company is thrilled to welcome two new hires at the executive level, Michael Ousley, Vice President of Marketing, and Suzie George, Vice President of Human Resources.

With a background in business and communications, Suzie George boasts 17 years' experience in all aspects of human resources. After many years with Boeing, one of the largest public companies in the world, she transitioned to working for medium-sized, family-owned private companies. "I'm thrilled to be at OnlineShoes.com," says George. "I love a fun, fast-paced, energized work environment in which I get to interact closely with my fellow employees. And, I have to admit, I love shoes, too."

Michael Ousley is charged with developing the OnlineShoes.com enterprise sales and marketing strategy and overseeing the team that manages all of the company's customer-facing activities, encompassing demand generation and marketing communications functions. He brings to OnlineShoes.com a diverse and extensive business background, ranging from the online retail industry to creating strategic direction for 64 brands within Nielsen Business Media, a division of Nielsen. Ousley has served in a number of executive leadership positions, most recently with Brownells as Chief Marketing Officer.

"In 2014, we plan to expand on OnlineShoes.com's stellar customer service reputation by cementing customer loyalty and capitalizing on our expertise to guide the customer to the exact product for his or her specific need, the first time, every time," says Ousley. "In the future, we will use whatever information each customer shares with us to build a long-term relationship with that individual and truly personalize each OnlineShoes.com shopping experience."

2013 was a year of exciting leaps forward for OnlineShoes.com, which increased its visibility and customer base by launching an Amazon Marketplace storefront and an eBay storefront, and optimized mobile sales over a range of devices, from smartphones to tablets. OnlineShoes.com also began offering international service with third-party partner Borderfree, and now ships to more than 100 countries worldwide. The company continues to add popular brands to the product roster, such as Munro, one of the most sought-after women's shoe brands for offering comfort and professional style in a wide range of sizes and widths.

January 31 marks the third annual "OnlineShoes.com Day of Giving," in which employees choose to volunteer at one of several charities and worthy causes, working side by side with fellow co-workers and members of the executive staff. Says Gerler, "OnlineShoes.com has long partnered with organizations that include Dress for Success, the YMCA, the Seattle Senior Center, Redeeming Soles and Hana Youth and Senior Center in Maui, but this gives us a chance to branch out and build relationships with a wider range of charitable organizations. Many of our team members have told me that the Day of Giving is the annual company-wide activity they most look forward to."

"The year is off to an amazing start," adds Gerler. "Stay tuned for news about exciting things that lie ahead for OnlineShoes.com!"

About OnlineShoes.com:

Established in 1996, OnlineShoes.com is the nation's first online shoe retailer. With a history that began decades ago in a family-owned corner shoe store, the company is committed to delivering exceptional value and service, both domestically and internationally. OnlineShoes.com offers the latest high-quality footwear for men, women and kids with over 300 name brands, as well as a wide selection of bags and accessories. Customers are entitled to a 110-percent price guarantee, a 365-day return policy, and free shipping and exchanges on most orders. For more information, visit www.OnlineShoes.com.

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SOURCE OnlineShoes.com