Angel Martinez, the former CEO of Deckers Brands, announced he is running for mayor of Santa Barbara. The vote takes place in November.
“The City of Santa Barbara is at a tipping point. We are at a moment in time when vision and leadership are essential for us to create the city that, by all rights, should be the best small city in America,” Martinez said in a statement.
Martinez is described as an advocate who is passionate about advancing the community forward and nurturing opportunities that benefit everyone.
He said, “I have learned that without collaboration around a shared vision, the collective genius inherent in all organizations cannot flourish. This is the kind of leadership that we need in our local government and the kind that I promise to provide. Opportunity is at the core of the success of America. Immigrants, like myself, as well as native sons and daughters have, over the generations, sought opportunities to live a better life for themselves and their families.”
The release noted that Martinez has been recognized for his many accomplishments and awarded multiple times, including Outside Magazine’s Best Places To Work, from 2008-2014. Martinez immigrated to the United States from Cuba in 1958 and graduated from the University of California, Davis.
He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and their children.
Martinez retired from his position as Deckers CEO effective May 31, 2016, replaced by David Powers. He had been CEO since April 2005. Beginning in May 2008, Martinez served as chairman and continues to serve as Decker’s non-executive chair. Prior to joining Deckers, his past posts included CEO and vice chair of Keen LLC. He also served in a variety of positions at Reebok International Ltd. and as CEO and president of The Rockport Company.
