Differential Brands Group Inc.-owned water-resistant footwear and outerwear label Swims has named former Sanuk president Jake Brandman its new president, effective Aug. 29.
Brandman will report to Differential Brands CEO Michael Buckley and will be responsible for developing and implementing the brand’s long-term strategy.
The incoming president spent eight years with Deckers Brands, serving as VP of North American sales for Teva and Simple before becoming brand president for Sanuk. He also spent time in executive level roles at Vans, Keen Footwear and Ahnu.
“I am very excited to be joining Differential Brands to lead the Swims brand and its global expansion,” Brandman said in a release. “Swims is already a sought-after lifestyle brand that consumers are passionate about and that some of the best retailers recognize for its unique positioning and disruptive product offering.”
The Swims brand is still new to the Differential Brands portfolio. The company announced that it had purchased the Scandinavian lifestyle brand on July 19, making it the first acquisition for Differential’s “Omnihannel Premium-Plus” Platform.
Watch on FN
“[Brandman] is a strong merchant and sales professional with a long track record of successfully building great brands and cultures, and we believe he will be instrumental as we integrate and grow the Swims business,” Buckley said in a release. “I look forward to partnering with Jake and leveraging his vast knowledge and experience to expand the Swims brand both in the U.S. and around the world.”
