Vuori, the dynamic U.S. athletic wear brand, is set to soar to new heights with the appointment of Karen Riley-Grant as Chief Marketing Officer, effective January 22. In this influential role, Riley-Grant will steer the vision and strategy, directing the creative landscape across retail, e-commerce, wholesale, and digital domains. Reporting directly to Vuori’s Founder and CEO, Joe Kudla, Riley-Grant brings over 25 years of unparalleled experience in the retail industry.
Formerly serving as Vice President of Marketing for Levi Strauss in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa regions, Riley-Grant has a proven track record in developing iconic brands. Her leadership roles at Gap Inc. and Converse, where she spearheaded marketing for the Chuck Taylor segment, underscore her expertise.
Vuori Founder and CEO, Joe Kudla, expressed enthusiasm for Riley-Grant’s arrival, citing her extensive experience and ability to nurture iconic brands. As Vuori continues to embrace exciting opportunities, Riley-Grant’s role becomes pivotal in fostering the brand’s vision of authentic community connection and delivering messages of positivity and possibility.
Founded in the San Diego area, Vuori has experienced remarkable growth, expanding to the East Coast and internationally with locations in the UK and China. The company secured $400 million in a SoftBank Vision Fund 2 round in 2021, following earlier investment from Norwest Venture Partners in 2019.
As Vuori gears up for its next chapter, Karen Riley-Grant’s strategic contributions are poised to play a key role in shaping the brand’s trajectory in the competitive athletic wear industry. Stay tuned for the exciting evolution of Vuori under Riley-Grant’s leadership.
