Montreal-based performance running brand Ciele Athletics has appointed industry veteran Corey Stecker as its new global head of sales. Stecker will lead the brand’s global sales strategy, managing key accounts and directing growth across both retail and international markets.
“We’re excited to have Corey join Ciele Athletics at a defining moment of growth and momentum,” said Ciele Athletics CEO Jano Arabaghian, a former Vans executive who joined the company earlier this year. “More people than ever are discovering the brand as we continue to expand across North America and around the world. His experience, leadership, and genuine passion for what we’re building will help us build on that momentum while staying true to the community, purpose, and creative energy that define Ciele.”
Stecker brings extensive experience from the outdoor and performance apparel industries, serving in roles at Altra, Smartwool, Icebreaker and The North Face. Throughout his career, he has focused on scaling brands, building partnerships with retail accounts, and aligning teams for strategic growth, according to a news release.
“Ciele has long been on my radar,” Stecker said in a statement. “The combination of category-leading innovation, meticulously crafted thoughtful design and a cult-like community, wrapped up in B Corp discipline, is a powerful recipe. In a sea of emulators, Ciele continues to stand out as a true innovator.”
Ciele is prioritizing enhancing service and support for its wholesale partners by collaborating with regional agencies, said the release. The company recently brought on Waypoint Outdoor and Henry Sports Group. These agencies join an established roster that includes Mike Shewchuk (B.C., Canada), Myriad Sales (Ont., Canada), Agence Stephane Baltazar (Que., Canada), Luke Jay (Intermountain U.S.), and Steven Kapes (Midwest U.S.). This network is central to the company’s strategy to manage sell-in, sell-through and brand awareness.
“When an opportunity arises to join a brand with this much potential and energy across its entire team, you drop everything and dive right in,” Stecker said. “It’s going to be fun to amplify that momentum across the specialty landscape.”
The appointment comes at a time of significant activity for Ciele Athletics. The brand is working to strengthen its presence in key markets across the United States and Canada.
Founded in 2014 by Jeremy Bresnen and Mike Giles, Ciele Athletics produces high-performance headwear and apparel for runners. The brand is available in over 1,300 stores across 43 countries.
