The Timberland Company has announced that Mark Bryden will become the Vice President and General Manager of North America. In this newly-created role, Mark will lead Timberland’s North American operations with responsibility for all marketing, retail, wholesale and ecommerce business.

Mark joins Timberland following three years as President and General Manager of SmartWool Corporation, a leading outdoor performance brand which was acquired by Timberland in 2005. During his tenure, SmartWool has seen record growth with the launch of sport and lifestyle apparel, expanded into international markets, and received numerous accolades including two consecutive years among the top 10 of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work.

Prior to joining SmartWool, Mark spent 26 years at Levi Strauss & Co., serving in a variety of sales and marketing positions before transitioning to the company’s international and supply chain management organization. In his new role as VP and GM of North America for Timberland, he reports to President and CEO Jeffrey Swartz.

“I couldn’t be more pleased about Mark’s transition,” said Jeffrey Swartz, Timberland’s President and CEO. “Having worked closely with him at SmartWool for the past several years, I have complete confidence in his talent and experience, and most importantly, in his ability to lead teams focused on execution of Timberland’s strategic plans. I look forward to his leadership of our North American team.”

“As someone who has long believed in Timberland’s reputation as a leading outdoor brand with solid values, I’m excited for the opportunity to more actively influence the company’s growth and direction,” explained Mark Bryden. “I believe we have a solid foundation on which to build, and I look forward to working with the Timberland team to bring the brand to its rightful place in the market.”

SmartWool simultaneously announced today that Mark Satkiewicz, Vice President of Sales, has been promoted to fill the role of President and General Manager vacated by Bryden. Satkiewicz will be responsible for the oversight and strategic direction of the SmartWool global brand. He joined SmartWool in June 2006, following more than 10 years of sales and analysis experience in the athletic market. He previously worked with many divisions within the Nike company, including sales, forecasting and strategic planning.

All leadership changes are effective immediately.