Stride Consumer Partners, a growth equity firm that specializes in partnering with talented founders to build the next generation of great consumer brands, is pleased to welcome Scott Kerslake to our team. Scott joins Stride as an Operating Partner in the Active Lifestyle sector where he will focus on sourcing, diligence, and post investment involvement to help our partner management teams attain their vision and growth ambitions.
“The entire Stride team is ecstatic to welcome Scott aboard. We have collaborated with Scott for many years and have watched him not only found and lead multiple great businesses but build lasting brands and strong cultures along the way. Scott will be an invaluable resource to the founders and management teams that we partner with at Stride given his history as an entrepreneur and CEO, as well as his demonstrated passion for the active lifestyle space. We are excited for the journey ahead,” said Tim Burke, Stride Co-Founder and Partner.
Scott has over two decades of experience launching and guiding some of the most notable brands in this sector. In 1997, Scott founded Athleta where he created the brand, its strategic plan and cultural development while serving as Chairman and CEO through the successful sale of the business to Gap Inc. Next, Scott was the President of Miraval Life in Balance, consistently ranked as one of the world’s top destination spas and resorts in the world by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.
Starting in 2009, Scott then served as CEO of prAna Living, a progressive active apparel company known for its sustainability efforts and values-based approach and considered one of the leading brands in the outdoor / active lifestyle market segments. Most recently, Scott was CEO of Nixon, the watch and accessories brand focused on the youth and action sports market. Currently, Scott serves on the Board of Directors of Simms Fishing Products (alongside Stride Partner Tim Burke) and Boardriders, Inc. the action sports and lifestyle company that includes the following brands: Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong, RVCA, DC Shoes, Von Zipper and Element.
“I have known members of the Stride team for a long time and have a lot of respect for how they partner with companies. I am excited for the opportunity to work beside them pursuing our shared passion of supporting and elevating great brands. I look forward to sharing my experiences as a founder and CEO with our management teams as they build businesses with a foundation in great culture and leadership,” commented Scott Kerslake, Stride Operating Partner.
Please join us in welcoming Scott to Stride.