Five Ten, the footwear company, has appointed Wally Barker as chief financial officer. Barker will be responsible for the overall financial strategy and direction of Five Ten. In addition to climbing, his career spans a wide range of academic and business successes. Mr. Barker's formal education includes an MBA from University of California, an MS in Engineering from University of Alaska, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Washington. His professional background included serving as President and CFO of Quiksilver, Japan; Manager of Mergers and Acquisitions for Ernst and Young; Audit Manager for Deloitte Touche; as well as an early career working for the investment banks Merrill Lynch and Shearson Lehman.
“Wally is a fantastic addition to our team,” notes Charles Cole, founder and president of Five Ten. “There are few people in the world who combine such passion for adventure and business. It is rare to find a person with such strong pedigrees in both climbing and business. We are proud and lucky to have him on board.”
Dean Potter, Five Ten athlete and National Geographic 2011 Athlete of the Year, said, “Wally and I lived in the dirt together during my formative years. We rigged and tested early highlines. Barker opened my eyes to what's possible on the walls with his tenacious style. I can't think of a better fit for Five Ten.”
When noted climber and Five Ten athlete Cedar Wright heard that Barker was joining the Five Ten team, he said, “Five Ten has executed a slam dunk by hiring Wally. In Yosemite, we nicknamed him Big Wall Wally, as he is one of the all-time great big wall climbers. Plus, he's a business ninja who excelled at his career and still pushed the limits of the sport.”
While Barker is more interested in what he will do in the future, there is no escaping the past. His climbing career spans 30-plus years; remote big wall first ascents in Pakistan and Baffin Island, solo ascents of most of all of El Capitan's hard aid climbing test pieces [Yosemite, CA] and ground-breaking speed climbing link-ups of walls, such as Astroman, The Rostrum and The West Face of El Cap in a single day, as well as a host of other accomplishments on rock and on ice.
Mr. Barker says “After living nine years overseas, it's great to be back in the States and to be among the brotherhood of climbers and adventurers. I'm looking forward to raising my young family in Redlands and seeing my children grow up around similarly minded people.”
He adds, “It is a privilege to join such an authentic brand and have a role where I can make a major impact.”
Barker is very proud of what the company has accomplished to date.
“While many people think of Five Ten as a rock climbing shoe company, sales in mountain biking and other action outdoor sports footwear are exploding – overall company sales are up 50 percent overall.”
He notes, “Good things are happening with Five Ten, and I am positive I can help lead the company's transition into being truly integrated global company.”
