Press Release:
Orange County, CA (February 9, 2011) – OluKai welcomes Jim Harris to the ‘Ohana (family), as the premium footwear brand’s new CEO. In the newly created position, Harris will oversee all aspects of OluKai, ensuring a culture of innovation and smart growth. Over the last three years, Harris has been a very active member of OluKai’s board of directors and has been instrumental in setting the strategic direction of the company over that period.
“OluKai has created a true premium brand for the ocean lifestyle consumer through exceptional product design and manufacturing as well as companywide initiatives like the ‘Ohana Giveback Program and Ho’olaule’a ocean celebration,” says Harris. “I am inspired and honored to be leading OluKai’s dynamic team and further solidifying OluKai’s lifestyle brand credentials.”
Harris will focus on growing the business with a commitment to independent and specialty retail distribution, while driving the manufacturing and marketing of footwear with the complete integrity of a premium consumer brand. The new CEO will guide OluKai’s mission for innovation, while remaining a culturally respectful brand with a minimized footprint. Co-Founders and COO Matt Till, Creative Director Bill Worthington and VP of Sales Dan McInerny report directly to Harris.
Harris has a track record of creating and building value in various premium consumer brands across industries. Previously Harris was President of Huneeus Vintners, a luxury wine holding company based in Rutherford, CA, which produces several of the most prestigious wines in the world including Quintessa, Flowers and Prisoner. Prior to that Harris served as Managing Director of Artisan Confections Company, the premium chocolate division of The Hershey Company overseeing the Scharffen Berger and Joseph Schmidt confection brands. In addition, Harris is a member of the board of directors of several premium consumer brand businesses and nonprofit community organizations.
In his spare time Harris enjoys the family life with his wife Aimee, a pediatrician, and their three young children.
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About OluKai:
Founded in 2005, OluKai was conceived from a desire for a premium ocean lifestyle brand with a distinctly different point of view and deep values. We are committed to building a unique and better class of product that blends ocean heritage with modern performance. The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) honored OluKai with 2010’s ‘Breakthrough Brand of the Year.’
