Designer Brands Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Designer Brands has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, human resources, operations, and merchandising.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Designer Brands stands as a premier North American footwear and accessories enterprise, shaping market trends through expert design, production, and retail strategies.

Leadership Roles at Designer Brands

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

    Douglas Howe, the Chief Executive Officer at Designer Brands, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Howe's leadership focuses on driving growth across the company's extensive portfolio of footwear and accessories brands. This executive guides the integration of design, production, and retail functions to ensure a cohesive market approach. Overseeing global initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with long-term financial objectives and market expansion goals. By optimizing supply chain efficiencies and enhancing customer engagement, Douglas Howe directly impacts the company's competitive positioning and profitability. Ultimately, Howe secures Designer Brands' leadership in the North American retail landscape.
    Douglas Howe

    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, manages critical financial operations and strategic merchandise planning. Hauenstein's responsibilities encompass financial forecasting, budget management, and resource allocation to support the company's retail objectives. This executive oversees the development and execution of merchandise plans, ensuring product assortments align with market demand and profitability targets. Driving financial discipline, the Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning ensures robust fiscal controls and reporting across all segments. By analyzing market trends and financial data, Dustin Hauenstein provides key insights to inform executive decision-making and optimize inventory management. Ultimately, Hauenstein's financial acumen and planning expertise bolster Designer Brands' sustained market performance.

    Sheamus Toal - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Sheamus Toal, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Designer Brands, oversees the company's comprehensive financial strategy and management. Toal's leadership ensures fiscal integrity, drives financial planning, and manages investor relations to support sustainable growth. This executive directs accounting operations, financial reporting, and capital allocation to maximize shareholder value. Guiding financial performance, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer implements robust controls and drives operational efficiencies across the organization. By analyzing market dynamics and financial metrics, Sheamus Toal provides critical insights for strategic decision-making and risk mitigation. Ultimately, Toal's financial expertise fortifies Designer Brands' economic stability and market competitiveness.
    Sheamus Toal

    Dwayne Baker - President

    Dwayne Baker, the President at Designer Brands, drives the strategic direction and operational execution across key business segments. Baker's role is pivotal in enhancing the company's market presence and expanding its retail footprint. This executive oversees product development, merchandising, and sales operations to ensure seamless integration and customer satisfaction. Leading cross-functional teams, the President fosters innovation and efficiency throughout the value chain. By optimizing go-to-market strategies and strengthening brand partnerships, Dwayne Baker directly contributes to Designer Brands' revenue growth and market leadership. Ultimately, Baker's comprehensive operational oversight ensures the company's continued success in the competitive footwear and accessories industry.
    Dwayne Baker

    Amy Donohew - Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP

    Amy Donohew, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP at Designer Brands, leads all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Donohew's role is central to fostering a high-performance culture and attracting top talent across the enterprise. This executive directs talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits programs to support business objectives. Championing employee engagement, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP ensures a positive and productive work environment that aligns with Designer Brands' core values. By developing robust leadership pipelines and implementing effective HR policies, Amy Donohew strengthens the company's workforce capabilities. Ultimately, Donohew's strategic HR leadership cultivates a skilled and motivated team essential for market success.

    Anthony Pugh - Vice President, Procurement & Chief People Officer

    Anthony Pugh, the Vice President, Procurement & Chief People Officer at Designer Brands, directs critical procurement functions and overarching human resources strategy. Pugh's dual role ensures efficient sourcing of materials and fosters a robust organizational culture. This executive manages supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, and optimizes the supply chain for cost-effectiveness and quality. Simultaneously, as Chief People Officer, Pugh champions talent development and employee well-being initiatives. Driving operational excellence, the Vice President, Procurement & Chief People Officer integrates procurement efficiencies with human capital development to support business objectives. By securing optimal resources and nurturing employee growth, Anthony Pugh significantly enhances Designer Brands' operational capacity and workforce vitality. Ultimately, Pugh's leadership strengthens both the company's supply chain and its human capital foundation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Designer Brands Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Designer Brands?
    Designer Brands is led by Douglas Howe (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Dustin Hauenstein (Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning) and Sheamus Toal (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Designer Brands’s executive team?
    The executive team of Designer Brands includes leaders such as Douglas Howe (Chief Executive Officer), Dustin Hauenstein (Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning), Sheamus Toal (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Designer Brands have?
    Designer Brands has 6 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 Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Segment Chief Financial Officer and Merchandise Planning, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior VP.