Outdoor Research (OR) hired Felix del Toro as senior vice president of product. He reportedly brings over three decades of product leadership and apparel experience to the role, including working for Athleta (chief product officer), Lululemon (general manager, men’s), Fabletics, Calvin Klein, and the Gap.
The company said del Toro is responsible for implementing the “merchandise expertise developed throughout a career in the apparel and design space to steer the growth and development of OR’s product line,” leading “design, materials and sustainability, sourcing and product management teams,” reporting to OR’s President Roger Barton.
“Felix knows the power of a strong brand, and having him step into this role will help us continue to unlock our potential,” Barton said. “He has demonstrated that he knows how to help well-established brands continue to grow by staying true to what made them successful in the first place, by listening to the unique needs of the consumer, and by shifting the internal mindset within an organization.”
“I’m excited and inspired to join Outdoor Research—brand DNA, product quality, technical excellence, team, and values powerfully come together to enable people of all skill levels to thrive outside,” del Toro said.
Del Toro’s hire follows the promotion of three of its longtime department employees earlier this year to new brand leadership roles: Katarzyna Schoewe was promoted to VP of design and product innovation, Alex Lauver to senior director of materials innovation and sustainability and Chris King to VP brand creative. Schoewe and Lauver will work closely with del Toro in his new role.
Photos courtesy Outdoor Research
