Respect Your Universe, Inc., the mixed-martial arts brand based in Las Vegas, appointed David Campisi, former head of The Sports Authority, to chairman and chief executive officer of RYU.

Former Chief Executive Officer Christopher Martens resigned on August
13. In connection with his resignation, the company agreed to pay Mr.
Martens four months' salary as severance.

Joining the RYU Board of Directors in March of 2012, Campisi was the former chairman, president and CEO of The Sports Authority from 2004-2011 and brings more than 30 years of experience in the retail industry for soft and hard goods, as well as specialty and mass production, to RYU.

During his time as CEO at The Sports Authority, Campisi was responsible for implementing new strategic imperatives, bringing $100 million in e-Commerce business in-house, negotiating long-term multi-million dollar deals to acquire naming rights for the Bronco's stadium in Denver, and establishing two major foundations for the Sports Authority, including the “Sports Authority Foundation” and “Pass the Good Foundation.”

“We are thrilled about David Campisi becoming the new Chairman and CEO of RYU,” said Kristian Andresen, previously residing Chairman of RYU. “With his extensive expertise, experience and knowledge in the retail industry, he will help further accelerate and execute the growth of RYU in the direction we are quickly moving in.”

Prior to joining RYU, Campisi also served as the Executive Vice President at KOHL'S as GMM Women's Apparel, Accessories, Intimates and Cosmetics, the Senior Vice President for Fred Meyer, Inc., and Director of Apparel, Home and Electronics, GMM Apparel and Vice President of DMM Women's Apparel and the Vice President of Meier & Frank for DMM Women's Apparel.

“I'm very excited about joining RYU, there's something very special happening here. The premium high quality training product, with a great story, and has an edge that's different from all the players in the space. I look forward to working with the team at RYU, and making a significant contribution on building our business together,” said David Campisi.