John Heron, Senior Vice President, General Manager, BORN Footwear, has been with H.H. Brown since August 2002. Prior to joining H.H. Brown, the Santa Barbara, California native spent two years with the International Management Group in Hong Kong followed by a five-year stint with Nike, culminating as Director of Sports Marketing for the Asia Pacific region. John joined H.H. Brown as the VP of Brand Development in 2002 and within three years assumed his current title.
High moral principles and exacting professional standards define John's approach to business and life. In his own words, the abiding philosophy that guides him in all his endeavors can be summed up in two words: "integrity matters." It’s a simple expression, but one that he takes very seriously and one that informs all his actions. "Every decision may not please everyone involved," he says, "but I strive to be fair, honest and accountable in everything that I do."
His equitable approach to work and life is matched only by the intellectual rigor he brings to bear on all he does. Taking a cue from George Bernard Shaw, who once famously quipped, "Few people think more than two or three times a year; I have made an international reputation for myself by thinking once or twice a week," John strives to do the same. As a leader, though, he takes it a step further and actively encourages the people he manages to do likewise.
Not just a "thinking man's" business leader, but a thinking, thoughtful business leader, John practices what he preaches, resulting not only in the respect and admiration of associates and colleagues throughout the organization and industry, but also in continued business success.
