Respect Your Universe Inc., an athletic lifestyle apparel brand, has elevated Marcello Leone, current president and director, to chief executive officer and chairman of the board.
He succeeds Craig Brod as ceo. The former chairman was David Campisi, who left in spring 2013, and hasn’t been replaced until now.
Leone has been involved with RYU since mid-2011 as an investor. Three years ago, Leone founded Naturo Group Investments Inc., the owner of Trace Blackwater, a private water beverage company. Until 2009, he operated one of Canada’s largest independent specialty stores, Leone, based in Vancouver. Leone represents more than 30,000 square feet of luxury women’s and men’s brands in designer fashion, footwear and accessories. He was responsible for the development of new product lines, guiding the buying team and daily operational duties. Leone remains an owner of Leone, which has been a family-run business for 27 years.
RYU, founded in 2008, is designed for athletes and active women and men. It is made from organic and/or recycled materials and is designed to nurture the environment. Leone will be based in Vancouver, where the RYU office headquarters are being relocated to. Its current office in Portland, Ore., will become the U.S. center for customer service and a showroom display.