Kizik Hires Footwear Veteran as CEO

Kizik (Lindon, Utah), a specialist in hands-free slip-on footwear and its parent company, HandsFree Labs, have hired Gareth Hosford as CEO, effective immediately. Hosford has more than two decades of experience in the footwear and fitness industries, including Nike, Converse and performance-apparel startup Omorpho.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Gareth at a transformative time for Kizik and HandsFree Labs,” said Mike Pratt, Founder of 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.”

At Nike, Hosford spent over a decade in senior roles including Global Strategic Planning Director, developing category expansions in Action Sports, Jordan and Tennis, and later managed $100 million-plus in licensing and retail revenue as Director of Global Clubs & Federations. He also served as General Manager of Nike Football UK & Ireland.

Hosford later joined Converse as Chief Commercial Officer, where he led a $3 billion business across multiple markets. Most recently, he led the launch and scaling of Omorpho, a performance wear and fitness equipment start-up, as both CFO and COO.

Said Hosford, “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. The brand’s momentum is extraordinary and the opportunity ahead is even bigger.”

Hosford replaces Monte Deere, who led the company since 2019. Deere will continue serving on the board of Kizik and HandsFree Labs, where he’ll advise the company’s licensing arm.

In addition to its DTC business, Kizik operates six stores and is also available through a variety of retailers, including Nordstrom.