Gramicci apparel hired Matthew Kaseta as director of national and global sales. Kaseta, who has more than 20 years of sales and product management experience, has worked with internationally known brands including Bell Sports, Burton Snowboards, Reebok and Specialized Bicycles.

Kaseta’s proven track record covers an accomplished career in sales and product and account management. He has been responsible for re-building Burton Snowboard’s Gravis Footwear sales team, creating Reebok’s “Exclusive Edition” product line for the NFL and NBA, and helping drive Specialized Bicycles significant growth on the east coast.

Gramicci continues to sustain the positive momentum since a new management team took over just under two years ago. For spring ‘07, reorders were up 86%, much higher than the industry norm, a solid sign that retailers are confident in the new direction of the brand.

“Matthew’s experience and success at internationally respected brands will help navigate Gramicci during this important growth period for the company,” said Marty Weening, president of Gramicci. “He is an outdoor zealot and understands the heart and soul of this brand. More importantly, he understands the retail side of the business and how to combine product and marketing to help retailers connect with their consumers. I was a former retailer and many of our Gramicci staff also worked on the retail side of the business. This retail experience brings a merchant’s sensibility to every facet of what we do here, starting with product that is design-centric and also successfully retails to the consumer.”

“To be a part of the revitalization of one of the original outdoor lifestyle brands is a once in a career opportunity,” said Kaseta. “I look forward to helping build upon the strong momentum that Marty and his team have created while respecting Gramicci’s rich history and heritage. For 25 years, Gramicci has been helping consumers achieve the ultimate outdoor experience. Today, it is perfectly positioned to re-connect with the original Gramicci customer and to appeal to a new generation of people who love to climb, ride, surf and live the outdoor lifestyle.”

Kaseta, an outdoor and winter sport enthusiast, resides in South Burlington, Vermont with his wife and two sons. He is avid cyclist, snowboarder and windsurfer.