In an attempt to make itself more productive, Timberland has divided itself into four business units: Authentic Youth, CasualGear, Outdoor Group and Industrial. The company has named a president for each of the units, which will have their own resources for merchandising, design, sales planning, category marketing and global sales. Mike Harrison, who joined Timberland in 2003 as senior vice president of operations outside the USA, has been named president of CasualGear. Scott Thresher, formally senior vice president of North America and head of the company’s Timberland Pro business, will run the Industrial segment. Gene McCarthy, who was most recently senior vice president of footwear at Reebok, has been named president of Authentic Youth. Gary Smith, former senior vice president of supply chain management and general manager of outdoor performance, has been named president of the Outdoor Group. Separately, rumors continue to circulate about a potential buyout of the company. There is even a theory that Jeff Swartz, the chief executive, wants to get into politics, allowing a private equity company to control the company’s management.