Sanuk Founder To Transition From Active Role

Jeff Kelley's Decision Reflects Growth of Brand and Expansion of Management Team

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Dec 18, 2014, 08:15 ET

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanuk®, a division of Deckers Brands (NYSE: DECK), the not-so-typical footwear brand known for its love of innovation and unconventional comfort, today announced that Jeff Kelley (JK), founder of the Sanuk brand, will be transitioning from an active role at the brand at the close of the year. JK's decision reflects Sanuk's progress in expanding its management team and resources to support the next stage of the brand's growth. Sanuk will continue to be led by Jake Brandman, president of Sanuk, who has been in the position since 2011.

Since being acquired by Deckers three years ago, Sanuk has added 35 employees and now has a team of over 50 passionate people contributing to all areas of its business including: marketing, merchandising, design, development and domestic and international sales. The team is focused on extending the brand's product offering to support its transformation into a global lifestyle brand. Sanuk is also tapping into the powerful resources of Deckers Brands, which is committed to supporting the brand and driving innovation in the consumer experience through a robust Omni-Channel strategy.

"It was JK's vision, creativity and passion that supported the brand's success as a major player in the surf and specialty market arena. That founding DNA will always be a fundamental part of the Sanuk culture," commented Jake Brandman, president of Sanuk. "JK's energy will live on in our organization and continue to inspire our vision for the future. We wish him all the best as he embarks on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead."

"I am super stoked on the team in place at Sanuk, they are totally capable of taking the brand to the next level," says Kelley. "As for me, I love the thrill of starting new things and constantly challenging the status quo – which is exactly what my next venture, TeaofaKind.com, is designed to do. I will always consider Sanuk to be part of my family and look forward to seeing what the future holds for everyone."

About Sanuk®
From its early roots in Southern California surf culture to the global lifestyle brand it is today; Sanuk continues to deliver lo-fi innovation and comfort through its full range of footwear for men, women and kids. Founded in 1997, the brand takes its name from the Thai word for "fun" and continues to stay true to its "Never Uncomfortable" attitude. Taking cues from its iconic Sidewalk Surfers, the first-ever shoe/sandal hybrid, the brand has expanded into vulcanized footwear and street-style inspired casual canvas. As part of Deckers Brands, Sanuk currently owns and operates four freestanding stores and is sold in over 40 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sanuk.com. @sanukfootwear #NeverUncomfortable

About Deckers Brands
Deckers Brands is a global leader in designing, marketing and distributing innovative footwear, apparel and accessories developed for both everyday casual lifestyle use and high performance activities. The company's portfolio of brands includes UGG®, I HEART UGG®, Teva®, Sanuk®, TSUBO®, Ahnu®, MOZO®, and HOKA ONE ONE®. Deckers Brands products are sold in more than 50 countries and territories through select department and specialty stores, 136 Company-owned and operated retail stores, and select online stores, including Company-owned websites. Deckers Brands has a 40-year history of building niche footwear brands into lifestyle market leaders attracting millions of loyal consumers globally. For more information, please visit www.deckers.com.

Company Contact:
Sanuk
Ethan Anderson
VP, Marketing
949-707-2343

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SOURCE Sanuk