IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanuk®, a
division of Deckers Brands (NYSE: DECK), the not-so-typical
footwear brand known for its love of innovation and unconventional
comfort, today announced that Jeff
Kelley (JK), founder of the Sanuk brand, will be
transitioning from an active role at the brand at the close of the
year. JK's decision reflects Sanuk's progress in expanding its
management team and resources to support the next stage of the
brand's growth. Sanuk will continue to be led by Jake Brandman, president of Sanuk, who has been
in the position since 2011.
Since being acquired by Deckers three years ago, Sanuk has added
35 employees and now has a team of over 50 passionate people
contributing to all areas of its business including: marketing,
merchandising, design, development and domestic and
international sales. The team is focused on extending the brand's
product offering to support its transformation into a global
lifestyle brand. Sanuk is also tapping into the powerful resources
of Deckers Brands, which is committed to supporting the brand and
driving innovation in the consumer experience through a robust
Omni-Channel strategy.
"It was JK's vision, creativity and passion that supported the
brand's success as a major player in the surf and specialty market
arena. That founding DNA will always be a fundamental part of the
Sanuk culture," commented Jake
Brandman, president of Sanuk. "JK's energy will live on in
our organization and continue to inspire our vision for the future.
We wish him all the best as he embarks on the exciting
opportunities that lie ahead."
"I am super stoked on the team in place at Sanuk, they are
totally capable of taking the brand to the next level," says
Kelley. "As for me, I love the thrill of starting new things and
constantly challenging the status quo – which is exactly what my
next venture, TeaofaKind.com, is designed to do. I will always
consider Sanuk to be part of my family and look forward to seeing
what the future holds for everyone."
About Sanuk®
From its early roots in Southern California surf culture to the global
lifestyle brand it is today; Sanuk continues to deliver lo-fi
innovation and comfort through its full range of footwear for men,
women and kids. Founded in 1997, the brand takes its name from the
Thai word for "fun" and continues to stay true to its "Never
Uncomfortable" attitude. Taking cues from its iconic Sidewalk
Surfers, the first-ever shoe/sandal hybrid, the brand has expanded
into vulcanized footwear and street-style inspired casual canvas.
As part of Deckers Brands, Sanuk currently owns and operates four
freestanding stores and is sold in over 40 countries worldwide. For
more information, please visit www.sanuk.com. @sanukfootwear
#NeverUncomfortable
About Deckers Brands
Deckers Brands is a global leader
in designing, marketing and distributing innovative footwear,
apparel and accessories developed for both everyday casual
lifestyle use and high performance activities. The company's
portfolio of brands includes UGG®, I HEART UGG®, Teva®, Sanuk®,
TSUBO®, Ahnu®, MOZO®, and HOKA ONE ONE®. Deckers Brands products
are sold in more than 50 countries and territories through select
department and specialty stores, 136 Company-owned and operated
retail stores, and select online stores, including Company-owned
websites. Deckers Brands has a 40-year history of building niche
footwear brands into lifestyle market leaders attracting millions
of loyal consumers globally. For more information, please visit
www.deckers.com.
Company Contact:
Sanuk
Ethan Anderson
VP, Marketing
949-707-2343
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SOURCE Sanuk