Paka, the manufacturer of performance-based alpaca apparel, announced that it hired four new senior hires and one internal promotion, timed with the recent opening of its first retail store and seventh anniversary in business. They include:

  • Christian Castellani, Director of Wholesale Sales
  • Matt Etzler, Senior Director of E-Commerce
  • Erika Marsh, Senior Director of Supply Chain and Operations
  • Megan Krajco, Design Director
  • Paris Karstedt, Director of Brand and Marketing

“I’m honored to show up and work with our team every day,” said Paka CEO and Founder Kris Cody. “Paka’s culture is thriving more than ever—trust, clarity and integrity go hand in hand with bringing in this new set of experienced leaders to steer our brand’s future. It’s an exciting time, and I’m proud to see Paka growing up the way it was meant to.” 

Castellani joins Paka after ten years as North American sales director for Prana and, for a time, as VP of sales with Native Shoes. As Paka branches into wholesale, Castellani will lead the brand’s efforts to retail partnerships. “I’m excited to be a member of the Paka team and to introduce consumers to our brand through great retail partners,” Castellani said.

Etzler joins Paka with 14 years of experience in e-commerce and digital marketing. He previously worked for Sports Authority, VF Corp., Einstein Bros Bagel, and Caribou Coffee. As senior director of e-commerce for Paka, he will amplify its digital presence.

Marsh joins Paka after ten years of working in consumer goods manufacturing with Prana. He specializes in product and supply chain strategy and is responsible for streamlining operational processes and enhancing supply chain performance.

Krajco is responsible for designing products that meet the needs of Paka consumers and reflect the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Previously, he worked for three years as the design director at Pact.

Karstedt was promoted to director of brand and marketing from the company’s head of communications for the past three years, taking the brand from its founding days to a competitor in the natural fiber space. His responsibilities include planning, developing and executing integrated, multi-channel marketing strategies to support the product, brand and marketplaces.

Image courtesy Paka