Former Reef president John Wilson has joined the board of directors of San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI).

Bill Walton, executive chairman of CONNECT San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI), said Wilson brings 24 years of action sports industry experience. He has worked as brand manager for Oakley, director and vice president of U.S. sales for Reef, and in 2006 became Reef's President. Along with, SDSI board member, Jeff Kearl, Wilson currently heads Stance Inc., as president, COO and co-founder.

SDSI board member and COO of C4 Waterman and Boardworks Surf Bob Rief believes Wilson is a perfect fit for the SDSI board.

“John and I worked together at Reef, where he had a well deserved reputation as 'a retailer's friend',” said Rief. “John's extensive experience with the reality of selling in the U.S. specialty market served the company well; John rose to be president of Reef. Not only will he be a great addition to the SDSI board, but John will have great insight for the up-and coming companies trying to grow and make sales in this challenging economy.”

Wilson said, “I was attracted to SDSI's mission to provide acceleration to businesses in the action sports industry. Whether it's capital, mentoring, education or providing access to service providers, SDSI has a wealth of resources for start-ups as well as mature companies,” said Wilson. “In addition, I was excited to be a part of a very talented team of business leaders which make up the SDSI board of directors.”