Respect Your Universe, Inc. announced that RYU CEO Christopher Martens has joined the Board of Directors. Officially joining RYU in June 2011 as the Chief Executive Officer, Martens will join Chairman Kristian Andresen, President John Wood and Chief Marketing Director Emmanuel Brown on the Board of Directors.
“I am excited to help lead the RYU brand as a part of the Executive Management Team and now the Board of Directors,” commented Martens about his appointment. “We have a talented and experienced team of professionals and leaders who are well placed to propel RYU from a start-up premium athletic apparel company into a household name.”
At RYU, Martens has been responsible for creating brand strategies and relationships along with assisting in the production of authentic premium high performance apparel and product amongst the sports marketplace for consumers in an effort to position RYU for a successful launch of their debut Men's Spring 2012 Line. With his strength in identifying global trends, Martens brings a rich history in the sporting apparel industry to RYU including previously serving as General Manager and Merchandise Director at Nike, Inc. and Global Director of Apparel for the 2008 Beijing Olympics Nike, Inc. Martens' additional credentials also include Divisional Merchandise Manager for Global Nike ACG and Global Nike Outerwear, Nike, Inc. with 11 years of retail experience at Eastern Mountain Sports.
“Christopher is recognized within the sports apparel industry for successfully capitalizing on new opportunities and reigniting mature businesses with dramatic results. His position on the Board of Directors confirms his commitment to RYU's success and our plans to execute the vision of RYU,” said RYU Chairman Kristian Andresen.
Built for Athletes, Suited for Style, RYU's debut men's premium high performance line embodies the art of the sport and places emphasis on respect, strength, honor and sustainability as the foundation of their apparel and products. All of the apparel items and products have been produced from organic and/or recycled materials utilizing some of the best yarn and fabric suppliers in the world while achieving the performance attributes desired by Mixed Martial Arts fighters and the true everyday athlete.
