Filson has introduced a veteran of the outside business on board as its new chief.
The Seattle-based out of doors attire and equipment model, division of Bedrock Manufacturing Co., has named Tim Bantle president. Bantle served most just lately as chief government officer of Eddie Bauer and has additionally held management roles at The North Face, Timberland and different well-known outdoor manufacturers.
At Filson, he shall be charged with main the following section of development for the 128-year-old heritage model.
“Tim has an distinctive observe report of creating strategic plans that drive long-term, sustainable development whereas preserving the distinctive heritage of every model he has led,” mentioned Steve Katzman, chief government officer of Bedrock. “We’re thrilled to welcome Tim to the Filson staff and sit 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, mentioned he “had an exquisite 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 turn out to be 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 mentioned when Filson reached out to see if he was fascinated about approaching board, he was instantly swayed by the model’s popularity and “product integrity.” It didn’t harm that it is usually based mostly in Seattle the place Eddie Bauer is headquartered so he didn’t must relocate. “Filson is a particularly legendary model within the Seattle market,” he mentioned. “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 out of doors and workwear heritage which is well timed in at the moment’s tradition. It’s been rising properly and it’s arrange for a pleasant interval of development.” Though it’s nonetheless early days, he mentioned he believes there are “two vectors” of development for the model: home and worldwide wholesale. Filson has a small enterprise exterior the U.S. now and Bantle believes its aesthetic will resonate around the globe with searching, fishing and sporting items retailers in addition to shops.
Bantle is aware of rather a lot about these markets due to his 20-plus years of expertise within the out of doors area. Earlier than becoming a member of Eddie Bauer within the fall of 2022, he served as normal 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 normal supervisor for the approach to life enterprise unit; Black Diamond Tools, the place he served as managing director; and Patagonia, the place he spearheaded the launch of a number of key product strains, 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 one in all his key missions shall 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 powerful basis for development,” Bantle mentioned. “I’m excited to collaborate with the staff to carry Filson’s deep authenticity and distinctive merchandise to a broader viewers throughout the U.S. and around the globe.”
Filson has 16 retail areas around the globe — 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.