La Jolla Group promoted Erik Forsell to the position of vice president of brand development and Bill Gage to vice president of sales and marketing for Metal Mulisha.
Forsell and Gage, who will report to CEO Toby Bost, will be based out of the La Jolla Group offices in Irvine, Calif.
Forsells role reflects the companys commitment to foster and grow all of the La Jolla Group brands which include ONeill Clothing, Lost Clothing, Metal Mulisha and Rusty. Forsell will lead the La Jolla Groups outlet stores, the securing of patents and trademarks, building corporate partnerships, developing strategic business plans and web strategies.
“Eriks position solidifies our commitment to look for new ways to grow all of the La Jolla Group brands and to become the leading action sports company,” said Bost.
Prior to his new role, Forsell served as director of marketing for Lost Clothing and transitioned into director of brand development for the La Jolla Group. Forsell has over 10 years of action sports experience and earned his M.B.A. from San Diego State University.
“Closing out 2007 with the addition of Rusty Clothing, signing Jordy to ONeill, and the explosive growth of Metal Mulisha, its an exciting time to be a part of the La Jolla Group,” said Forsell. “I am stoked.”
Gage joined the La Jolla Group in 2007 as the national sales manger for Metal Mulisha and is 15-year veteran of the action sports industry. Gage will oversee all the sales and marketing efforts for Metal Mulisha.
“To say Im excited would be an understatement,” said Gage. “Im thrilled to have an opportunity to grow a core underground label with the continued support of the La Jolla Group. Metal Mulisha has an amazing group of talented people and Im very optimistic that we will continue our rapid expansion and success in 2008.”
“We are stoked to have someone with Bills experience and leadership in this pivotal role for Metal Mulisha,” said Bost. “He will be working closely with our sales and marketing teams to foster key retail relationships and to maximize the brands marketing efforts to help Metal Mulisha achieve its continued growth.”
