Caleres Confirms Dan Karpel as CFO Amid Earnings Outlook

Caleres has appointed Dan Karpel as Senior Vice President and CFO, formalising a leadership position that has been in interim transition since the start of the year.

The New York-listed footwear group confirmed Dan will serve as both principal financial officer and principal accounting officer with immediate effect, following his stint as interim CFO since January 2026. 

His appointment comes as the company prepares to report first quarter earnings in early June, with expectations of stable revenue and earnings performance.

Dan rejoined Caleres in October 2025 as Chief Accounting Officer, returning to a business where he previously held senior finance roles. 

He brings three decades of experience across accounting and financial leadership, including CFO positions at Club Car Wash Operating and CW Holdings, as well as Chief Accounting roles at Eyecare Partners, Spectrum Brands Holdings and Brown Shoe Company.

“Dan’s deep understanding of our company, combined with his extensive financial and accounting expertise, has made him a valuable strategic partner since rejoining Caleres and taking the role of interim CFO,” says Jay Schmidt, President and CEO of Caleres. 

“His leadership and commitment to driving results as our CFO will be instrumental as we continue to advance our growth strategy.”

Strengthening finance continuity

Dan’s formal appointment provides continuity at a time when Caleres is balancing operational execution with financial discipline across its portfolio of brands. 

His familiarity with the company’s structure and reporting processes is likely to support stability in financial oversight, particularly as the group manages multiple distribution channels including retail stores, wholesale partnerships and e-commerce platforms.

His previous tenure at Brown Shoe Company – Caleres’ former name – adds further institutional knowledge, which may prove valuable in aligning financial strategy with long-term corporate objectives. 

The combination of internal experience and external leadership roles suggests a focus on consistent financial governance and operational efficiency.

Earnings outlook in focus

The announcement comes ahead of Caleres’ first quarter earnings release scheduled for 4 June, prior to market opening. 

The company expects to report total sales of US$667m, alongside earnings per diluted share in the range of US$0.39 to US$0.41. Adjusted earnings per diluted share are projected between US$0.35 and US$0.37.

These projections indicate a relatively steady start to the financial year, with performance reflecting both brand resilience and broader consumer demand trends in the footwear sector. 

Investors will be watching closely for commentary on margin performance, cost management and channel mix, particularly as retail conditions remain mixed across key markets.

Portfolio and market positioning

Caleres operates a diversified portfolio of footwear brands, including Famous Footwear, Sam Edelman, Stuart Weitzman, Allen Edmonds, Naturalizer and Vionic. 

Its products are distributed through more than 1,000 retail stores, as well as department stores, specialty retailers and digital platforms.

This multi-channel approach underpins the company’s revenue model, offering exposure to both direct-to-consumer and wholesale segments. Financial leadership will play a central role in balancing these channels, particularly as digital commerce continues to reshape consumer purchasing patterns.

With Dan now confirmed as CFO, Caleres enters its next reporting period with a permanent finance leader in place, tasked with overseeing financial performance and supporting the company’s operational priorities.