Apparel veteran Patti Cazzato has been named chief executive officer of Timbuk2, a San Francisco-based brand known for its messenger bags. She succeeds Mike Wallenfels, who left earlier this year “to pursue personal adventures and work as a consultant,” according to the company.
Previously, Cazzato was the senior vice president at Gap International and held sales and merchandising positions at Esprit, Sam & Libby and Ann Taylor. She was also Levi’s senior vice president, leading the company’s women’s business until 2007 when she launched her own company, Clary Sage Organics, a sustainable yoga line. Founded in 1989, the San Francisco-based Timbuk2 has grown to four stores in Seattle, Denver, Chicago and its home base in California. Cazzato is no longer associated with the yoga line, Timbuk2 said.
“Her accomplishments as a merchant, retailer and brand builder will serve the brand and business,” said Timbuk2 board chairman Ken Pucker. “Working domestically or internationally with large and small brands, and across wholesale and direct-to-consumer, Patti has led from a place of values and passion, has consistently built strong teams and delivered great results.”
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“Claiming 25 years of made-in-America manufacturing to its name, Timbuk2 is an established company with soul and purpose, bound by a deeply held, resonant mission to empower consumers to invest in quality, built-to-last products,” said Cazzato. “The company’s ethos and values align with my own, and I look forward to the next 25 years of building on Timbuk2’s exceptional growth and pioneering a legacy in sustainable manufacturing.”
He has since founded Outdoor Pursuits Consulting.