Two recurring themes in Wolverine’s success over the past 25 years are long-term thinking and agility.

Of course knowing where we are today is important, as are the many Wolverine employees who remain focused in the moment. It’s essential for day-to-day execution and safety. But leadership also requires thinking months and years in advance to prepare the organization for upcoming business, regulatory and legislative shifts.

Agility is an essential ingredient for companies the size of Wolverine. Just like stock disclaimers, past success should not be viewed as a guarantee of future success. New plants, new rules, new equipment, new standards, and new business lines required our employees to adapt. I continue to be amazed by the agility of Wolverine employees.

Tim Martin, one my Senior Team employees personifies this adaptable spirit. He began in ECC, worked into managing ECC, managed the construction of our new headquarters, ran Operations and Engineering, and for the last two years worked to stand up Wolverine’s emerging fiber business. Tim embraced his “Swiss Army Knife” role, but he also quickly recognized the talent around him, quipping, “My job is to get you ready to be my boss someday!”

Tim’s retirement around the end of this year sets in motion the series of executive-level retirements I’ve spoken about with you and the Wolverine Board for many months. In this light, we announce this week a new executive structure.

Our new structure will allow me to stay focused on several key long-term strategic initiatives. It will also give additional responsibilities to several existing Executive Team members — Joe Baumann, Kacy Wickenhauser, and Zach Anderson. These moves are the next in what will be a series of steps as we prepare for additional retirements. You have seen two VP hires from outside the organization, and you will continue to see additional development of future senior Wolverine leaders. Stay agile! If we continue to adapt, I am confident Wolverine will continue to serve its members well.