Roark Taps Mike Wallace to be Global Marketing Director, Greg Bravo as Men’s Design Director

Roark on Tuesday announced several key appointments that boost its marketing and design teams as it readies for future growth.

“We’re grateful to be at a junction point to acquire and promote a few great leaders to help us continue our growth,” founder and CEO Ryan Hitzel said in a statement. “Each stage requires different skill sets, experience, and characters. I’m beyond stoked that our team has built the brand foundation to attract high quality individuals that share our values and are energized to build great things.”

The company said Mike Wallace has accepted the position of global marketing director at Roark, reporting to Hitzel.

Wallace is a veteran of Billabong, holding various marketing positions at the surf label for the past 21 years and most recently serving as AMS marketing director.

“I have always been impressed and inspired by Roark’s passion for making high quality products and telling powerful stories,” Wallace said in a statement. “Their commitment to their core consumers is unwavering. This was the perfect opportunity for us to join forces. I am so excited to be a part of what is already such an amazing team and look forward to playing a big role in Roark’s next chapter. Ryan is an amazing leader and it is a testament to him and the team that Roark has stayed so disciplined in their vision for the brand. I can’t wait to get to work.”

Men’s Design Team Boost

Wallace’s hiring also came with news that Roark has hired Greg Bravo to serve as men’s design director, responsible for expanding the mainline collection and the brand’s running and activewear line Run Amok.

Bravo joins Roark after 17 years at Billabong, where he served as a senior designer.

“As the tide of change carries me to new horizons, I’m thrilled to join Roark, a company that shares my passion for innovation, sustainability, and pushing boundaries,” Bravo said in a statement. “With gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, I’m ready to ride the waves of opportunity and contribute my best to this thrilling journey ahead.” 

New Content Creation Role

Roark’s latest hirings also came with news it created the new position of director of content creation for which it promoted Corey Brindley, who has been marketing director since January 2021. Brindley reports to Hitzel in this new role.

Brindley has held various marketing positions at several industry companies, including Vissla and Banks Journal. He got his start in the industry working at Thalia Surf wearing several hats, including main buyer, planner, and creative director.

“Over the past three years, Corey has owned the voice of Roark and led amazing projects that fused a sense of wanderlust with art and music,” Hitzel said. “He’s brought a sense of levity and creativity to both our adventures and product storytelling. I can’t wait to see what he cooks up with Wally and Greg; it’s going to be incredible.”

Kari Hamanaka can be reached at kari@shop-eat-surf.com.