Designer Brands Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Designer Brands has 4 executives leading key functions including finance, human resources, merchandise planning, and procurement.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Designer Brands operates as one of North America's largest designers, producers, and retailers of footwear and accessories, shaping the retail landscape with strategic leadership.

Leadership Roles at Designer Brands

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Sheamus Toal
  • Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning - Dustin Hauenstein
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP - Amy Donohew
  • Vice President, Procurement & Chief People Officer - Anthony Pugh
  • Sheamus Toal - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Sheamus Toal, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Designer Brands, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the organization. Overseeing the accounting, treasury, and investor relations departments, Toal ensures robust financial health and compliance across the enterprise. This leadership role involves managing capital allocation, driving profitability, and safeguarding the company's assets. By optimizing financial planning and analysis, Sheamus Toal directly supports the company's growth objectives and market expansion initiatives. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer also collaborates closely with the board of directors to communicate financial performance and strategic outlook. This executive's oversight extends to risk management and the implementation of financial controls, ensuring operational efficiency and long-term stability for Designer Brands.
    Sheamus Toal

    Dustin Hauenstein - Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning

    Dustin Hauenstein, the Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning at Designer Brands, drives financial oversight and strategic merchandise planning for key business segments. Overseeing financial performance analysis and forecasting for specific divisions, Hauenstein ensures fiscal discipline and optimizes resource allocation. This role is crucial in aligning financial goals with product assortment and inventory management strategies. By providing critical insights into market trends and consumer demand, Dustin Hauenstein guides the development of effective merchandise plans that maximize sales and profitability. The Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning collaborates with design, merchandising, and finance teams to achieve optimal product-to-market alignment. This executive's expertise is vital for enhancing the company's competitive edge and driving revenue growth across its retail footprint.

    Amy Donohew - Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP

    Amy Donohew, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP at Designer Brands, architects the company's human capital strategy and talent management initiatives. Overseeing all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, Donohew cultivates a high-performance culture aligned with the company's mission. This critical role involves developing and implementing programs that attract, retain, and develop top talent across the organization. By fostering employee engagement and promoting diversity and inclusion, Amy Donohew ensures a supportive and productive work environment. The Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP also partners with executive leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives, driving organizational effectiveness and supporting the company's expansion. This executive's focus on talent development is integral to Designer Brands' ongoing success and market leadership.

    Anthony Pugh - Vice President, Procurement & Chief People Officer

    Anthony Pugh, the Vice President, Procurement & Chief People Officer at Designer Brands, leads both strategic sourcing initiatives and the comprehensive human resources function. Overseeing procurement operations, Pugh ensures the efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services essential for the company's design, production, and retail activities. Simultaneously, as Chief People Officer, Pugh directs talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives, fostering a skilled and engaged workforce. This dual leadership role requires a strategic approach to managing both supply chain relationships and internal talent pipelines. By optimizing procurement processes, Anthony Pugh contributes to margin improvement, while the focus on people development strengthens the company's operational capacity. This executive's integrated oversight is fundamental to Designer Brands' sustained operational excellence and market competitiveness.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Apparel & Accessories Retail

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Designer Brands Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Designer Brands?
    Designer Brands is led by Sheamus Toal (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Dustin Hauenstein (Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning) and Amy Donohew (Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP).
    Who is part of Designer Brands’s executive team?
    The executive team of Designer Brands includes leaders such as Sheamus Toal (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Dustin Hauenstein (Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning), Amy Donohew (Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Designer Brands have?
    Designer Brands has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Designer Brands’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Designer Brands includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning, Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP, Vice President, Procurement & Chief People Officer.