Chicago-based LCI Brands, a provider of travel and outdoor gear and parent to Lewis N. Clark and UrbanGear, hired Patty Stemp as its first vice president of product development, starting August 25.

Stemp spent the last 14 years at S.I. Jacobson Manufacturing leading their sales and new product development teams and creating a portfolio of products for OEM and retail partners. Prior to that, she held various product management and business development roles with Travelon, Outer Circle Products (Arctic Zone) and The Thermos Company. She graduated from Beloit College with a degree in Economics.

“Patty brings a proven track record of success working with international suppliers, designers and customers, which will be invaluable in meeting our company goals and objectives,” said Franz Wieshuber, vice president of sales and marketing. “I am confident that Patty will be an excellent match for this position and a strong asset to our organization.”

Stemp will lead the product development team in their efforts to design, develop and launch new products for the business. “This is a critical leadership role in taking our brands to the next level of growth and excellence through innovation,” said Wieshuber.