Oboz of Bozeman, MT hired Derek Gustafson to lead its product development team in early December. The change marks a homecoming for Gustafson, a Bozeman native who has spent the last eight years work with Black Diamond Equipment in Utah.
In his new role as Product Development Manager for Oboz, Gustafson will oversee all aspects of bringing Oboz trail footwear to the market, from concept to final commercial development. Additionally, he will manage Oboz team of in-house and external designers to bring new products and categories to the company’s footwear line, as well as advancing the use of new materials and constructions.
“It’s exciting to have Derek on board,” said Josh Fairchilds of Oboz. “His very specific experience in highly technical footwear will be a tremendous asset to our team and to the Oboz product line.”
Gustafson was the lead developer of ski footwear at Black Diamond for over six years. He guided several ski boot series from the design stage through manufacturing. He experience encompassed defining fit and last design, and technical construction that tapped his prior expertise in injection molded plastic and machined metal parts.
More recently, Gustafson managed a product development group that worked on a wide range of outdoor products such as packs, helmets, poles, lights and climbing hardware. Implementing integrated, lean processes for product development was an emphasis of his role.
“At Oboz, I hope to help create exceptional products that express the company,s identity and give customers high, functional value,” said Gustafson.
Gustafson, who was born and raised in Bozeman, is a graduate of Montana State University, where earned a degree in Physics with a focus on optics and mathematics. He is passionate about skiing, and also enjoys travel with his family, trail running, climbing, and touring by motorcycle.
Gustafson can be reached at Derek@obozfootwear.com or via Oboz main line at (406) 522-0319.
