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Arc’teryx appoints new creative director

Arc’teryx

Canadian design company Arc’teryx Equipment has named Katie Becker as the brand’s first VP Creative.

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In her new role, the award-winning designer will lead the development of a creative strategy involving consumer touchpoints and product focus areas in support of the brand’s global business initiatives. Becker will join the company’s senior leadership team and report directly to Arc’teryx President Jon Hoerauf.

“Katie’s extensive strategic design experience strongly positions her to build upon our brand legacy, while evolving our brand identity. She has a deep understanding of the athletic and outdoor industries with the capability to drive the design vision, which will add tremendous value to our users while building community,” said Jon Hoerauf, President of Arc’teryx.

Becker joins Arc’teryx after a 12+ year career with adidas, where she recently served as Senior Global Design Director. During her tenure at adidas, Becker developed and grew the sportswear company’s design strategy for footwear, apparel, technical and lifestyle product, conceptualized and launched new divisions and programs, and set the creative direction for key international markets. Prior to adidas, Becker held design roles at Merrell, Helly Hansen and O’Neill, where her responsibilities included technical design and innovation, market research, sourcing, and product management.

“Arc’teryx is known for its world-class design and high-performance apparel, and I’m thrilled to have this incredible opportunity to lead the creative strategy for one of the most iconic brands in the world,” said Katie Becker, VP Creative.

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The announcement of the VP Creative position and the appointment of Becker come in lockstep with the brand’s decision to evolve beyond its core offering of high-performance, technical outdoor apparel. Last year the brand opened its first lifestyle concept store in British Columbia, Canada and forayed into the adventure travel industry with the launch of the inaugural Arc’teryx Trips program.