Keen Inc. welcomed Erik Burbank as the new general manager of its Outdoor, Lifestyle and Kids categories (OLK). In his new role, Burbank will manage global operations, strategy, product and business development for Keen OLK. With a career spanning more than 15 years in the footwear and active-lifestyle industries, Burbank joins Keen in its Portland global headquarters on September 25.
“We are thrilled for Erik to join our executive team at Keen,” said Casey Sheahan, Keen president. “Erik brings a unique perspective with a professional background merging successful sales and business-development strategies and a passion for environmentally sustainable business practices. Erik is a perfect fit to lead these categories at Keen.”
Burbank began his footwear career in the late 1990s at Nike as category advertising director, where his work earned the Grand Prix award at the 1998 Cannes International Film Festival for best overall advertising campaign. Following his tenure at Nike, Burbank held a variety of roles at Timberland, most notably director of brand marketing, where he drove strategic direction and long-range plans for the Timberland PRO and Mountain Athletic franchises. Most recently, Burbank served as chief marketing officer at Helly Hansen.
“I am honored to join the Keen team and I see a great runway of opportunity for increased growth in the Outdoor, Lifestyle and Kids categories,” said Burbank. “Keen carries great momentum within the outdoor industry, propelled by innovation and a deeply engaged fanbase. The sky’s the limit, and I cannot wait to get to work.”
