U.S. Athletic Wear Brand Vuori Appoints Karen Riley-Grant as Chief Marketing Officer
U.S. athletic wear brand Vuori has announced the appointment of Karen Riley-Grant as its new chief marketing officer. The appointment will be effective from January 22, 2024. In her new role, Riley-Grant will be responsible for setting the company’s vision and strategy, as well as overseeing the creative development and execution of Vuori’s marketing efforts across various channels. She will report directly to Vuori’s founder and CEO, Joe Kudla.
Riley-Grant joins Vuori from Levi Strauss, where she held the position of vice president of marketing for the denim brand’s Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa regions. Additionally, she served as vice president of global marketing for Levi Strauss’ brands, including Dockers, Denizen, and Levi Strauss Signature. Prior to her tenure at Levi Strauss, Riley-Grant held marketing leadership roles at Gap Inc. and Converse.
Joe Kudla expressed his excitement about Riley-Grant joining the Vuori team, highlighting her extensive experience in the retail industry and her passion for developing iconic brands. He emphasized the importance of connecting with the community authentically and uniquely, spreading a message of positivity and possibility. Kudla believes that Riley-Grant’s role will be critical in Vuori’s continued growth and evolution.
Founded by Joe Kudla in the San Diego area, Vuori has expanded significantly since its inception. It recently opened its first store in New York in 2022 and has also ventured into international markets, with locations in the UK and China.
Vuori secured $400 million in funding in 2021 through a SoftBank Vision Fund 2 round. The company also received investment from Norwest Venture Partners in 2019.
Riley-Grant’s appointment as chief marketing officer indicates Vuori’s commitment to enhancing its marketing strategies and expanding its reach both domestically and internationally. With her extensive background in retail and brand development, Riley-Grant brings valuable expertise to Vuori’s marketing initiatives.
The appointment is expected to bolster Vuori’s position in the athletic wear market and further solidify the brand’s reputation for providing high-quality, stylish activewear products. As Vuori continues to grow and pursue exciting opportunities, the addition of Karen Riley-Grant to the team is seen as a significant stepping stone in its ongoing success.
Vuori’s innovative approach to athletic wear has gained attention and popularity among consumers looking for comfortable and fashionable activewear options. With Riley-Grant spearheading the marketing efforts, the brand is poised to continue its upward trajectory.
