Respect Your Universe, the MMA brand, appointed Erick Siffert as chief operating officer effective June 7th, 2011. Siffert previously served as director of product operations at Lululemon Athletica.

His responsibilities will include managing the key components of Supply Chain including Sourcing, Raw Materials, Product Development and Delivery to customer.

Siffert previously served as director of product operations at lululemon athletica where he devised and implemented protocols and business practices in the areas of sourcing and product development for an internationally recognized company. His vision, dedication, and drive was an integral part of the success story that has become lululemon.

Siffert also served for over 19 years at Nike Inc. where he developed global sourcing strategies for the Nike Outdoor and Global All Conditions Gear divisions. Under his guidance and by executing his strategies and innovations, he streamlined sources and processes helping Nike Outdoor product realizing some of the greatest results the brand had ever seen in terms of profit, growth, and branding. Siffert also managed the Nike European Liaison Office and was instrumental in helping open and expand sourcing throughout Europe with great success.

Siffert said of his appointment, “I am extremely excited to join the Respect Your Universe leadership team. To have the opportunity to build an authentic training brand based off the true heritage of Mixed Martial Arts, and to be able to communicate this through product, is extremely motivating. MMA is one of the true cross training sports in the world today. Why not build a brand that truly provides premium training gear that will transcend into other sports and activities while making you look and feel good in the process. Im in!!”

The company also appointed Cindy Lecomte as Director of visual merchandising of the Company effective June 12th. Lecomte has a wealth of experience in the apparel business including serving as Strategic Merchandise Manager for Lululemon, Manager of Visual Brand Presentation and Concept District Manager with Reebok International Global Fitness Apparel, and New England District Manager/Operating Team Director, US/General Manager MA for Abercrombie & Fitch Fashion Apparel Men and Women.