Companies

Kizik names former Nike veteran as CEO

Jun 19, 2025 United States

The Utah-based slip-on footwear brand and its parent company, HandsFree Lab, have appointed Gareth Hosford, the former Nike and Converse executive, as Chief Executive Officer

Gareth Hosford joins Kizik with more than two decades of experience in the footwear and fitness industry, including roles at Nike, Converse and the performance apparel brand Omorpho. His mandate is to evolve Kizik from a direct-to-consumer (DTC) “disruptor” into an omnichannel “powerhouse”. His tasks include scaling innovation, expanding the company’s global reach and unlocking new licensing opportunities through the IP portfolio of HandsFree Labs.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Gareth at a transformative time for Kizik and HandsFree Labs. His exceptional track record of building iconic global brands, coupled with a start-up mindset and relentless focus on innovation, make him the right leader to help guide us through our next phase of growth”, commented Mike Pratt, Founder of Kizik and HandsFree Labs, praising his collaboration and empathy qualities as essential to align direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and licensing channels.

Hosford said: “I’m incredibly honored to join Kizik and HandsFree Labs at such a pivotal moment. In just a few short years, Kizik has achieved what most brands take decades to accomplish, transforming a simple idea into a category-defining movement (…). I’m thrilled to help lead the next chapter of this revolution in footwear, amplifying innovation, expanding our global footprint, and scaling our patented hands-free technology to redefine convenience, comfort, and performance for consumers around the world”.

As Hosford takes on the role of CEO, Monte Deere, who has led the company since 2019, will remain on the boards of Kizik and HandsFree Labs, advising on the licensing arm of the business. According to the company's statement, his expertise in law, IP and M&A uniquely positions him to scale HandsFree Labs’ licensing strategy and maximise the value of its patented technology.

Image Credits: retaildive.com

United States Companies Footwear Kizik Management