Seattle-based K2 Sports named Paul Arntson as its apparel general merchandise manager to drive Planet Earth apparel and fuel growth for the Ride and Cappel outerwear divisions.
Arntson brings more than 30 years of apparel product management and design experience to K2 through leadership positions with multiple global brands. Most recently he served as design director snowsports for The North Face, where he helped develop the brand into one of the industrys fastest growing businesses. Prior to The North Face, Arntson ran his own apparel agency that serviced leading brands including: Helly Hansen, Columbia Sportswear and Coca-Cola.
“With our hard goods enterprise performing globally with such consistent excitement and expertise, the timing is perfect for us to truly focus human and financial resources on the soft goods side of our business,” said Robert Marcovitch, president of K2 Sports.
K2 Sports assumed responsibilities for Planet Earth, a 10-year-old snowsports, skate and streetwear brand, in 2008 following the purchase of its parent company by Jarden Corp. K2 is currently relocating Planet Earth to Seattle and will launch a new winter line for 2009.
“Ride, Cappel and Planet Earth are established global brands,” said Anthony De Rocco, K2 Sports global VP, product development. “Pauls expertise in the performance apparel market will be invaluable to our operations and ensure growth for each of the brands while maintaining their authenticity with core riders. We see a great opportunity for rapid growth in the near term.”
In his new position, Arntson will oversee outsourced manufacturing, research, design and development for Ride, Cappel and Planet Earth. He has relocated to Seattle from Tahoe City, Calif., and starts in this newly created position on June 30.
