Dick Baker, the longtime apparel and beach/surf apparel executive, passed away last week after a two-year battle with cancer. Baker is perhaps best known for reviving the Op (Ocean Pacific) label in the late 90s until the brand was sold to Warnaco Group in 2003. Through product extensions and licensing agreements, revenues at Op increased five-fold to $250 million worldwide during his tenure as CEO.
Prior to joining Op in 1997, he was president of Tommy Hilfiger Womenswear, where Tommy Girl apparel was launched and grossed $100 million in its first year. Prior to Hilfiger, he held top posts at Izod Lacoste menswear, Esprit Womenswear, and Marithe & Francois Girbaud, after starting his career at the Bullocks department store chain in Long Beach, CA.
Baker became involved with SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) in 2000 and served as president of SIMA for nine years. SIMA said his presidency “was instrumental in creating the vibrant trade association of Orange County-based surf lifestyle brands” in what marked the associations largest growth and expansion.
Baker is survived by his wife of 19 years, Una, and his two sons, Ryan and Jack.
