Vuori names new chief marketing officer

U.S. athletic wear brand Vuori has appointed Karen Riley-Grant to the role of chief marketing officer, effective January 22.

In this new role, Riley-Grant will set the vision and strategy for the company and oversee the creative development and execution of the Californian brand’s marketing efforts across retail, e-commerce, wholesale and digital. ​She will report to Vuori founder and chief executive officer, Joe Kudla.

Riley-Grant joins the Encinitas-based company from Levi Strauss, where she served as ​vice president of marketing for the denim purveyor’s Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions, as well as vice president of global marketing for the Dockers, Denizen and Levi Strauss signature brands. She also held marketing leadership positions at Gap Inc. and Converse, where she oversaw marketing for the Chuck Taylor segment.

“In addition to a 25-year-plus track record of proven experience in the retail industry, Karen brings to Vuori an incredible understanding and passion for developing iconic brands,” said Kudla.

“As we continue to rise to meet the exciting opportunities that exist for Vuori, it’s equally important we continue to nurture our vision to connect with our community in authentic and unique ways with a message of positivity and possibility. Karen will play a critical role in our continued evolution, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to our incredible, growing team.” 

Founded by Kudla in the San Diego area, the company has since expanded to the East Coast, opening its first New York store in 2022. It has also bowed internationally, with locations in countries including the UK and China.   

In 2021, Vuori raised $400 million from a SoftBank Vision Fund 2 round, the company said at the time. Norwest Venture Partners also invested in Vuori in 2019.