Kizik and its parent company, HandsFree Labs, appointed Gareth Hosford, a former executive at Nike and Converse, as CEO.
With over two decades of experience in the sporting goods space, company Founder Mike Pratt, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Gareth at a transformative time for Kizik and HandsFree Labs,” said Founder Mike Pratt. “His exceptional track record of building iconic global brands, coupled with a start-up mindset and relentless focus on innovation, make him the right leader to help guide us through our next phase of growth. Just as importantly, Gareth leads with empathy and collaboration, essential qualities that will continue to empower and align our direct-to-consumer, wholesale and licensing channels as we accelerate our global growth.”
At Nike, from 2004 to 2026, Hosford held senior roles across global business units. He led growth strategies as global strategic planning director, developed category expansions in Action Sports, Jordan and Tennis, and later managed over “$100 million in licensing and retail revenue as director of Global Clubs & Federations.” As general manager of Nike Football UK and Ireland, Hosford delivered “double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth.” Hosford later joined Converse as chief commercial officer, where he oversaw a global team of employees and led a “$3 billion business across multiple markets.” Most recently, he led the launch and scaling of Omorpho, a Portland, OR-based start-up specializing in performance wear and fitness equipment, serving as both CFO and COO.
“I’m incredibly honored to join Kizik and HandsFree Labs at such a pivotal moment,” said Hosford. “In just a few short years, Kizik has achieved what most brands take decades to accomplish, transforming a simple idea into a category-defining movement. The brand’s momentum is extraordinary, and the opportunity ahead is even bigger. I’m thrilled to help lead the next chapter of this revolution in footwear, amplifying innovation, expanding our global footprint, and scaling our patented hands-free technology to redefine convenience, comfort, and performance for consumers around the world.”
Hosford replaces Monte Deere, who has led the company since 2019 and will continue to serve on the board of Kizik and HandsFree Labs. With expertise in law, intellectual property and M&A, Deere will advise on the company’s licensing arm of the business.
Based in Lindon, UT, Kizik reports that it holds “200 pending and granted patents around hands-free footwear technology.”
Images courtesy Kizik
