Two Executives Join Marin-Based Samuel Hubbard Shoe Company

Mill Valley, CA — Samuel Hubbard Shoe Company announced the expansion of its management team Tuesday to include two new executives.

Donita Dennis has been brought on as vice president of marketing and Robert A. Ruiz, III as vice president of sales, the Mill Valley-based leather shoe company said in a news release.

Both appointments are effective immediately. Dennis will develop and manage all marketing aspects of the company including product branding and business-to-business and consumer marketing, while Ruiz will oversee the sales force and manage key accounts across the U.S.

“Donita and Robert come to Samuel Hubbard at a time of strong sustained growth,” said Bruce Katz, CEO and founder of Samuel Hubbard Shoe Company. “Both have proven track records in their respective fields and we are excited to have them join us at a moment when we are experiencing a five-fold growth in our business year over year. We are enjoying a very positive response from our growing audience of consumers and our strong network of independent shoe retailers throughout the country."

Dennis has expertise in marketing and business development, and an extensive background with footwear and apparel brands, including Birkenstock brands, Footprints, Newalk and Tatami and the California Footwear Company. She will lead Samuel Hubbard’s marketing team specifically handling media strategy, the creation of co-op programs, including retail collateral, trade show visuals, as well as digital initiatives.

Dennis most recently worked as director of marketing at Obscura Digital in San Francisco. Previously, she was executive vice president of marketing and business development at David Bergum & Associates in Santa Rosa.

Ruiz’s deep knowledge of the men and women’s shoe business and his professional background in sales, operations and business development will help him lead the sales team to achieve sales goals, enhance customer relationships and generate new business.

He formerly held the position of national accounts director for men’s shoes and accessories at Bruno Magli USA, Inc. and was the strategic account executive at Cole Haan, Inc., both in New York City. Prior to that, he was the director of U.S. wholesale buying, director of retail merchandising and the national Nordstrom coordinator at Mephisto USA, Inc. in Brentwood, Tenn., and was the buyer and manager of Women's, Salon and Brass Plum shoes at Nordstrom, Inc. in Orange County, Calif.

"It is vital to have the right talent in the right places to take Samuel Hubbard to the next level," Katz said. "They have those skills and we welcome them to the family."