Filson has introduced a veteran of the outside business on board as its new chief.
The Seattle-based outside attire and equipment model, division of Bedrock Manufacturing Co., has named Tim Bantle president. Bantle served most not too long ago as chief government officer of Eddie Bauer and has additionally held management roles at The North Face, Timberland and different well-known open air manufacturers.
At Filson, he will probably be charged with main the subsequent section of development for the 128-year-old heritage model.
“Tim has an distinctive monitor document of growing strategic plans that drive long-term, sustainable development whereas preserving the distinctive heritage of every model he has led,” stated Steve Katzman, chief government officer of Bedrock. “We’re thrilled to welcome Tim to the Filson workforce and stay up for his management in guiding this iconic model into new alternatives for development and innovation.”
Bantle, whose final day at Eddie Bauer was on Friday and who began at Filson on Monday, stated he “had a beautiful time at Eddie Bauer engaged on the rebrand and the combination into SPARC.” In 2021, Genuine Manufacturers Group and SPARC, its three way partnership with Simon Properties, acquired Eddie Bauer from the PSEB Group, an working group owned by Golden Gate Capital. Simply final week, SPARC named Ken Ohashi, the CEO of Brooks Brothers and a part of its portfolio, to develop into model CEO of each Brooks Brothers and Eddie Bauer in addition to a part of a brand new firm it created with JCPenney, Brookfield Corp. and Shein named Catalyst Manufacturers.
From Bantle’s perspective, he stated when Filson reached out to see if he was all in favour of approaching board, he was instantly swayed by the model’s repute and “product integrity.” It didn’t harm that it’s also based mostly in Seattle the place Eddie Bauer is headquartered so he didn’t need to relocate. “Filson is an especially legendary model within the Seattle market,” he stated. “It’s in a pristine state with deep product roots and nice retail shops.”
He believes that the time is correct for Filson to interrupt out. “It’s a premium model with outside and workwear heritage which is well timed in at present’s tradition. It’s been rising properly and it’s arrange for a pleasant interval of development.” Though it’s nonetheless early days, he stated he believes there are “two vectors” of development for the model: home and worldwide wholesale. Filson has a small enterprise outdoors the U.S. now and Bantle believes its aesthetic will resonate all over the world with looking, fishing and sporting items retailers in addition to shops.
Bantle is aware of rather a lot about these markets because of his 20-plus years of expertise within the outside house. Earlier than becoming a member of Eddie Bauer within the fall of 2022, he served as basic supervisor of VF Canada, the place he oversaw The North Face, Vans, Timberland, and Smartwool. He additionally held senior government positions at The North Face, the place he served as international basic supervisor for the life-style enterprise unit; Black Diamond Gear, the place he served as managing director; and Patagonia, the place he spearheaded the launch of a number of key product traces, together with the Nano Puff, Down Sweater, and Black Gap franchises.
Bedrock pointed to Bantle’s expertise in Europe, Canada, and Asia as key to the rent, including that certainly one of his key missions will probably be to introduce Filson to untapped home and worldwide markets whereas staying true to its deep heritage and dedication to prime quality craftsmanship.
“With its superbly curated product portfolio and immersive retail experiences, Filson represents a robust basis for development,” Bantle stated. “I’m excited to collaborate with the workforce to carry Filson’s deep authenticity and distinctive merchandise to a broader viewers throughout the U.S. and all over the world.”
Filson has 16 retail areas all over the world — 11 within the U.S., two in Canada, one in Japan, and two in Italy. Bedrock was established in 2005 and likewise owns the Shinola model.
