William Zeitz to Lead Brand Marketing For Lucchese

NEW YORK, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 130-year old renowned American western and equestrian boot company, Lucchese, is building a lifestyle brand beyond footwear, and has selected William Zeitz to spearhead the expansion.

Zeitz will lead the creative and marketing initiatives for the brand as it embarks upon new growth initiatives.

Zeitz brings over 25 years of experience in consumer fashion and lifestyle brand development and marketing to his new role for Lucchese. Zeitz is founding partner of ZAC, a full service brand strategy, image design and advertising agency focused on fashion, lifestyle and luxury brands.  At his brand consulting agency, Zeitz led the campaign to re-position the Sperry Top-Sider brand which included expanding the product lines, opening retail stores and attracting a younger and more stylish consumer. He steered brand strategy, advertising campaigns, collateral materials and international marketing support.

Prior to forming his agency, Zeitz served as Vice President, Brand Marketing at Cole Haan for nine years where he evolved Cole Haan from a men's footwear label to a dual gender fashion lifestyle brand.  He was responsible for brand strategy and image generation across all distribution channels and global marketing initiatives.   Additionally, Zeitz excelled at Nike where his tenure spanned 10 years culminating in the position of Global Advertising Director.  Here Zeitz led Nike's advertising in the U.S. and at its European headquarters in The Netherlands.  During this time, Zeitz worked on Nike campaigns including "Just Do It", "Bo Knows", "Spike and Mike" and "Good vs. Evil."

"As one of the very few American luxury brands, with a heritage that spans nearly one and a half centuries of quality, hand-crafted boot making Lucchese is strategically positioned to expand well beyond its current product categories into a full lifestyle brand," said Zeitz. "I am very pleased to help guide the next stage of its evolution."

The timing of this appointment coincides with a host of new developments and brand initiatives for the classic boot company. In fall 2011, Lucchese launched Spirit by Lucchese, a contemporary accessory, shoe, and boot line, in both the US and international markets. The company has also opened retail stores in Nashville and Santa Fe, a Dallas design center, and a New York Showroom.

"When we began our search for Lucchese's new marketing chief our requirements were very firm, we feel very fortunate to have located someone with Bill's precise experience. His expertise is perfectly aligned with our brand goals. He is the ideal fit for Lucchese and truly understands our company culture and vision. Bill has a proven track record of success in growing American heritage brands into luxury fashion and lifestyle names.  We are counting on Bill to lead Lucchese into a new era and leverage the company's reputation as one of America's original luxury brands with nearly 130 years of history," says Doug Kindy, President, Lucchese.

About Lucchese

Legendary boot making company, Lucchese, has a heritage that dates as far back as 1883. In 2008, Lucchese marked its 125th Year Anniversary. Originally founded by Sam Lucchese Sr. and his brother as Lucchese Boot Company in San Antonio, Texas, Lucchese earned its reputation amongst US Cavalry, by making custom quality riding boots for officers based in and traveling through San Antonio.  Word spread quickly across the country and Lucchese not only became the preeminent and most talked about boot maker amongst officers nationwide but the boots became popular amongst Hollywood legends, country and rock and roll favorites, and high profile political figures and CEO's.

Marni Salup
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SOURCE Lucchese