Carbitex, the manufacturer of flexible carbon fiber composites for the footwear, travel and accessories markets, hired Filippo Sartor as VP of global sales and Sam Gardner as VP of engineering and operations to better serve strategic brand partners, achieve forecasted growth in the short and long term and expand global market presence.
The hires of Sartor and Gardner follow the company’s restructuring of its manufacturing operations and the return of Carbitex founder Junus Khan as company president in 2023.
With over 20 years in the footwear industry, including nearly 11 years as the global senior sales manager at JV International, the worldwide licensee for Michelin Soles, Sartor reportedly brings “high-level sales expertise within performance footwear and material innovation” to the role. Based in Milan, Italy, Sartor is focused on building new business in the U.S. and Asia.
“I am extremely proud to join the Carbitex team and see huge growth potential thanks to a dynamic group of people dedicated to enhancing the technical benefits in the footwear market,” said Sartor. “I look forward to building Carbitex’s global presence and supporting the many existing brand partners. My experience growing a diverse range of technical and lifestyle footwear brands, combined with the expertise of the team, will help us create new solutions for the most demanding partner needs,” he continued.
Based in Renton, WA, Gardner manages product development and manufacturing at Carbitex. With time at Square One Distribution, a long-time Carbitex brand partner in the wake and waterski segment, and, most recently, as VP for Union Aquaparks, Gardner reportedly has “considerable experience designing new products and managing sourcing, logistics and supply chain.” His background will help Carbitex strengthen its factory and brand partner relationships and push product innovation.
“Filippo and Sam fill key roles with expertise that seamlessly aligns with our vision,” said Khan. “Their backgrounds in sales, product design and manufacturing solidify a complete team poised to drive Carbitex’s next phase of growth.”
Images courtesy Carbitex
