Eagle Creek Founder and President to Step Down

Steve Barker, founder and president of Eagle Creek, will transition to consultant for the brand and advise on strategic projects, while maintaining his seat on the Conservation Alliance board.  Effective immediately, Michael Millenacker, formerly vice president of sales, will succeed Barker as president.

In his new role, Millenacker will be responsible for developing global brand strategy and execution of the long-term growth plan for Eagle Creek. Millenacker, who joined Eagle Creek in 2000, will report to Steve Rendle, President of VF Outdoor  Americas.

“Michael has a deep understanding and passion for adventure travel and the Eagle Creek brand's DNA. His track record of developing category leadership in line with overall brand positioning makes him ideal to lead the continued expansion of the brand,” Rendle said.

In addition, Ricky Schlesinger, EVP of sales and marketing, will transition to a brand advisory role and will be departing Eagle Creek at the end of June. Schlesinger has been the brand's architect and marketing leader over a span of 30 years.  A highly recognized leader in both the outdoor and luggage industries, most recently servings as chairman of the Travel Goods Association, Schlesinger is known for defining and communicating an entirely new category of product now known as adventure travel gear.  “Ricky's tireless efforts and passion for the brand were instrumental in creating a category leader,” Steve Barker said.

Candyce Johnson will join Eagle Creek in the newly created position of VP, merchandising and marketing. Most recently, she served as director of merchandising for REI.    

Thomas Ryll will oversee the brand's international business, including current licensees. Ryll joined Eagle Creek in 1995 and has been instrumental in leading the brand's sales and marketing efforts in Europe. 

Rendle credited Steve Barker and his wife, Nona Barker, who has served as operations manager, for playing an integral role in establishing the adventure travel gear industry. Nona Barker, co-founder of Eagle Creek, will depart in late January to devote more time to outside interests. Her original designs and innovations helped define the category.  

“More than 34 years ago, Steve and Nona Barker founded the Eagle Creek brand with the vision of proving that adventure travel could be made easier by creating convertible backpacks, durable lightweight luggage and organized packing accessories for the adventure traveler,” Rendle said. “Since then, their careers have spanned three decades, designing and producing quality travel gear for the Eagle Creek brand. Steve's contributions to the industry have been significant, We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to carrying the vision forward to the next generation of travelers.”