Sparc Group announced that Tim Bantle is joining the company as CEO of Eddie Bauer. Most recently, Bantle was GM of VF Canada, leading the company’s local outdoor and action sports platform. Before VF Canada, Bantle held leadership positions at The North Face, Black Diamond Equipment and Patagonia.
A 20-year veteran in the outdoor industry, Bantle has led the launches of alpine, ski and outdoor products and fashion and streetwear collaborations. At The North Face, Bantle was involved with the brand’s sustainability efforts, which included circularity and the introduction of recycled and regenerative textiles.
As CEO of Eddie Bauer, Bantle will report to Marc Miller, CEO of Sparc Group, headquartered in Seattle, WA.
“Tim is a proven industry leader and an outdoor brand champion,” said Miller. “He brings a unique understanding of the outdoor consumer paired with deep technical knowledge that translates into commercial success. I am excited about the future of Eddie Bauer and am confident the brand will thrive under Tim’s leadership.”
In June 2021, Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Sparq acquired Eddie Bauer. ABG acquired the intellectual property rights while Sparq manages the brand’s sourcing, product design and development, wholesale, planning and allocation, and e-commerce, including its 300 stores in the U.S. and Canada.
Former Eddie Bauer CEO Damien Huang left the company to become president of Cotopaxi this past May.
Photo courtesy Eddie Bauer
