Chris Kypriotis recommendations highlight leadership skills
1. Chris Kypriotis - Various Recommendations
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
CEO & Chairman of the Board of Directors Black Tag Inc.
EduardoGaldino Diretor CFO & COO - Prior Billabong SA CFO & COO:
“I had theprivilegeof working with Chris Kypriotisduring 8 years at Billabong Int’l,
South America HQ in Sao Paulo. Chris was thePresident and I was the CFO. During
these 8 years I hadtheopportunityto work very closely with Chris in allareas of the
operationand hadtheopportunityto learn a great deal from him as he gave me the
exposure and participationinall areas ofthe business, not just thefinancial aspect of
thebusiness but brand, production,logistics,and operationsamong others. Healways
made it a point to have alltheleadership team exposed to allareas of thebusiness in an
effort to give each member of theteam added experiences outsidetheirunique
domains which ultimatelyserved as personal growth for allas well as yielding educated
and validopinions from theteam in thebusiness which Chris always solicited and took
under advisement. Chris is without doubt isa natural leader, competitorandteam
player,always seeking to alignthe teamin thesame directionfor thegoodofthe
business and theteam.
He also is a natural for spotting talent and always made it a priorityto eitherdevelop or
hire thebest peopleforall roles in the organization.He always saidto allof us that we
will onlybe as goodasour collectiveteam, and many times we went out of our way to
bring on boardkey playersat all costs to make sure our team was thebest in the
market. Chris always sought theadvise ofthe teamwhile at thesame timeproviding
his own unique perspectiveand in my opinion,unparalleled understanding of the
consumer which for Chris was always at the forefront of every decision made in the
Company. All thisand much more elevated Chris to theunofficial and unsolicited
positionofleader and visionary ofthe entire South American ActionSports Industry
and of course Brazil;he is stillconsidered in this light today.Iimaginethat thiswas one
of thereasons Nike sought him out so vigorouslyfrom an industry it does not normally
hire from for that level of seniority. His departure to joinNike was a big blow to our
organizationbut also a big point of prideas we saw one of our own hired to leadsuch a
large organizationin thiscrucial moment.
Further, Chris never tookcredit for himself, always distributing thecredit for our
unparalleled success to the entire team and never was shy about rewarding his team for
“a job well done!” Chris was a demanding leader, always seeking to outperform not just
our competitorsbut find new avenues to bring our business always to theforefront of
success and innovation. For all his skills and attentionin theentire business, Chris never
tookhis eyeof thenumbers and made sure that we were always over delivering to the
GlobalGroup.He is always focused on organizationalsuccess and he has very clear
objectivesin his approach to leading abusiness:
2. December 22, 2014, Eduardo reported to Chris at Black Tag Inc.
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
CEO & Chairman of the Board of Directors Black Tag Inc.
Jorge MartinsMuzy - Presidentedo Grupo Muzy
“Tive enorme prazer em ter o Chris como Key NoteSpeakerdo Sétimo Seminário
Nacionalde Esporte. Mais que um prazer foi uma honra!
A palestra foiperfeita, o temaescolhido foidireto ao ponto,e sem dúvidafoi o que
mais motivou e surpreendeu a plateia.Seuconhecimento sobre o negócio do esporteé
algo impressionante!
December 16, 2014, Jorge Martins was a contractor to Chris at Black Tag Inc.
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil:
Paulo Mündel: National SalesDirector at Nike Brasil
“Chris' relentless focus on theteam, customer and consumer were instrumental in
driving Nike Brazil’sbusiness, and to post both top andbottomlines’ high doubledigit
growth rates.”
December 10, 2014, Pauloreported to Chris at NIKE INC.
3. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil:
NathalieMaranesi:CategoryManagerat Adidas - Prior Nike Brazil Category
Manager
“Chris was always a great leaderto me during thetime I worked with him in Billabong
and in Nike do Brasil. At Billabong,besidesmore thantripling thebrand business in
Brazil, hepaved theway to structure, professionalize, and grow thesurf industry as a
wholein Brazil.At Nike besides hugelygrowing thebusiness and results of the
Company, he planned and set a clear directionfor Nike do Brasil to go through the
World Cup and Olympics,signing new teams and planning theopening of statement
retailspaces bringing Brand relevance locally,helping Braziliansestablish a connection
with the brand. Besides allof this, to me he is a creative visionary that brings innovation
and transforms thebusiness wherever heis. I would not hesitateto work with him again
for I know that wherever heis willbe an exiting placeto work where amazing thingswill
happen.
February 5, 2014, Nathalie worked indirectly for Chris at NIKE INC.
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil:
Jim Sutton: BoisD'Arc Leadership–Prior Nike Inc. VP H&R
“Chris is a strategic, visionary leader. He has a command of themarket placeand
understands deeply theconsumer. Chris has a passion for thebusiness balanced with a
passion for promoting employeewell being and is focused always on developing his
team. He values corporatepriorities,employeedevelopment/well-being,customer
focus and consumer satisfaction equally; that is a unique talent I haveseen in very few
individuals over my 40 year career.”
October 6, 2012, Jim was a consultant orcontractor to Chris at NIKE INC.
4. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil:
Joel Cooper: CEO-Lost InternationalLLC
“I have known Chris for over 15 years and have watched him builda successful career
starting off at Rusty Europe and moving on to headBillabong Brazilandthan to Nike.
His wealth of experience could prove an asset to any company requiring his services.”
February 10, 2014 Joel was with anothercompany when working with Chris at NIKE
INC.
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil:
Decio Bueno: FinancialPlanningDirector at Sephora - Prior Nike Brazil DTC Finance
Director.
“I had theopportunity to workwith Chris and I wouldlike to highlighthiscapacityto
motivatepeoplearound himthrough his projectsand proactivity.Chris always
demonstrated focus on theresults and extremely connected with sports, where is very
influent in thisbusiness.
April24, 2013, Decio worked directly with Chris at NIKE INC.
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil:
Marcelo Rodrigo: Manufactory and Controllership atMonsanto I – Prior Nike
Brazil Controller.
“I had a pleasure to work with Chris, I learned a lot of thingsfrom him, heis wise in
communicating and professional in company strategy,marketing, finance, sales and
supplychain, he has strong strategicand analyticthinking and always can bring us
overcome difficultiesto turn them into realities. And he always gave us support,
conduct and opportunityto improveour professional development.He is theright
person for thecompany's heador executive.”
April24, 2013, Marcelo worked with Chris at NIKE INC.
5. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil:
ErikaSantos: Marketing/Retail/Styling/MerchandisingProfessional&
CommunicationFounderat @NomadStylist(Instagram) – Prior Founder of É10
Publicidade
“ I found Mr. Kypriotisto beone ofthe most insightfuland personableexecutives I
have ever hadthechance to work with.He is completelyconnected with theculture,
consumer and retailerof Brazil and heis very strategicallyfocused so heknows how to
get results. It was a pleasure to beinvolved in meetings with him; I always felt that
everyone left theroom having learnt something new. It is a shame for Nike that Chris
decided to leave since I know for a fact that theCompany has suffered without his lead!
Most of Nike's key accounts are customers and colleaguesof mine, and theyalllament
Chris' departureand wish he wouldcome back! Theyclaim Chris' tenure as thebest
periodin Nike Brazil's historyand so does thestaff. It's a shame that a lot of key staff
has left Nikefor otherbrands given the changein atmosphere and thelack of
enthusiasm in that Company since his departure. In conclusion I would not hesitatein
recommending Mr. Kypriotisfor any senior C role since he brings results, enthusiasm
and team work as well as passion, moralityand know-how wherever hegoes. I wish him
thebest of luck, I know his success will continue as it has so far.”
April18, 2013, Erika was a consultant to NIKE INC.
6. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil:
Afonso Whitehead:Retail(DTC) NikeInc. Retail Manager
"Strong leadership skills and a multi-task mind, togetherwith a clear teamwork vision,
are the strengths I'd liketo highlight inChris' career path."
May 2, 2013, Afonsoworked directly with Chris at NIKE INC.
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil:
FabianaMonteiro:CEO - Global PartnersInternationalHumanResources
Management
“ Tornar-se um grande lídernão é uma tarefa fácil. A capacidadedeliderança é uma
característicaque qualquer empreendedorprocura ter. No entanto,o talento
necessário para guiar seu timeeu sei que Chris Kypriotistem.Tive a oportunidadede
estar em reunião com ele em 2012 e vi um Executivo que muitas organizaçõesdeveria
ter. ”
February 5, 2013, Fabiana was Chris's client
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil:
RICARDO FURTADO: Controller at WMcCann I – Prior Nike Brazil FinanceLead
“I Had a great opportunityto work with Chris in Nike.., great leader and great boss! For
me is a great pleasure endorse Chris! ”
May 23, 2012, RICARDO worked indirectly for Chris at NIKE INC.
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Chairman Wheelchair Tennis International Tennis Federation
Sunil Kaikini: Headof MediaOperationsat Premier League – Prior ITF VP andHeadof
Communications/Media
7. “ Chris is a true leader and expert in his field – his breadth of knowledgeis excellent.
Chris has infectious enthusiasm for every project he works on and brings passion and a
variety of business skills to thetable.He has a refreshing forward thinking outlookand
thedeterminationto deliver results. It was a pleasure to work with himat theITF and I
wish Chris every success in thefuture.”
January 25, 2011, Sunil was with another company when working with Chris at
International Tennis Federation (ITF)
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
Nike Inc. VP/GM, Nike Brazil & ITF Board of Directors:
EduardoBorges: CEO Americas atB4Capital – Prior IMG VP LATAM
“ Chris, besides being one of thesmartest and energetic peopleIknow has a unique
combinationof qualities:
• Passion
• Know how
• Creativity
• Customer focus
• Professional
This unique combinationof qualities gives Chris theabilityto makea big impact in any
situation, market or corporation.Finally,it's very rewarding, pleasant and interesting to
work and be his friendless .”
January 3, 2011, Eduardo worked directly with Chris at ITF with Nike Inc.
8. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
ITF Board of Directors & Chairman of Global Wheelchair Tennis
MarkBullock: ITF VP & WheelchairTennisManager
“Chris has provided me with great advice and guidancesince he became Chairman of
theITF WheelchairTennis Committee. He is a strong leader with a very dynamic
approach.Heis very committed to assisting in thegrowth and development of
wheelchairtennis. Through his varied backgroundhe has brought a lot of new ideas to
thetable.”
December 20, 2010, Mark worked directly/reported to Chris at International Tennis
Federation (ITF)
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
PRESIDENT South America& GroupSenior Mgmt Team BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC):
EduardoGaldino: CFO & COO
“1) Being always connected with theconsumer, 2) Providing innovative and unique
product and experience connections for thebrands, 3) Rallying the entire organization
into one teameffort, always aligned and performing to themaximum, and of course 4)
always delivering thenumbers to theGroup.
I have been privileged to have worked with Chris and contributemuch ofmy own
growth and future professional success to thetime I worked with him.
I recommend Chris without doubt to lead any organization,as his skills and approach to
leadership are truly unique, inspirational, bring results, unity and create history. “
December 22, 2014, Eduardo reported to Chris at BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC)
9. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
PRESIDENT South America& GroupSenior Mgmt Team BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC):
Melvin Murry, Jr: EXPERIENCEDRETAIL PROFESSIONAL WITH EXPERIENCE IN
DEVELOPEDAND EMERGINGINTERNATIONAL ECONOMIES – Prior VP A&F, Gap
Inc, UrbanOutfitters.
“I’ve been very lucky during my career in retailto have been exposed to themost
visionary leaders. Thetrait that seems to be consistent with them allis thedesire to
surround themselves with the best and the brightest peopletheycanfind; peoplewho
will challengethemto think betterabout theirbrand; peoplewho embodyand live the
brand; peoplethat understand thetrue essence (theDNA) of thebrand. Having spent
time with Chris and his team here in South America I can honestlysay that he has
adopted thisstrategicapproach with Billabong.What Iwitnessed during my
interactions was an environment where ideas are solicited and appreciated.Chris has
been successful in building ateam that is dynamic, energetic and creative. Being able to
constantlythink outsidethebox, anticipateyourcustomers needs and deliver product
that sells in an environment of inclusion and cooperationtakestheskills of a world-
class executive. Chris is among thefew executives who, through theiractionsand
accomplishments, have gained my respect and admiration.I wish him thebest as he
begins his new assignment and I know that theculture ofinclusion and therecord of
success at Billabong -South America will continue under theteam that heis leaving
behind.”
December 24, 2010, Melvin was with another company when working with Chris at
BILLABONGINT'L GROUP (BILLABONG,ELEMENT,NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER,
DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC)
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
PRESIDENT South America& GroupSenior Mgmt Team BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC):
Romeu Andreatta: Owner, Alma Surf Magazine,Alma Surf Festival,Founder of
Fluir Magazine& VP at Abril Publications.
“Chris Kypriotiskindlyknown as CK, the boardsportsand beach business has been
getting new barrels and new visions with his leadership.For sure CK, changed the
market in Brasil and I would say he also changetheway ofthink ofGSM, that means, he
has changing theworld vision.
I can to affirm that he give a new lifeand a new oxygen for the surf industry, more than
prepared and talented he is a visionary!
I'm proudto be your friend and ideasand projects follower.
10. December 20, 2010, Romeu Andreatta was with another company when working
with Chris at BILLABONGINT'L GROUP (BILLABONG,ELEMENT,NIXON, RVCA,
VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC)
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
PRESIDENT South America& GroupSenior Mgmt Team BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC):
Cecilia Castro De Andrade: Presidentat OceanViewInvestmentsCorporation –
Prior Co-Founder of Fluir Magazine,Surf & BeachTradeShow, waves.com,GM
HavainasUSA.
“ It was a true pleasure having CK as my client during the timeI was running Surf &
Beach Show and Waves Networks Group in Brazilfew years ago.CK’s unique vision,
intelligenceand talent allow himto bein a leagueof his own.
As president ofBillabong South America henot only set thevisionary focus for the
company, but more importantlyhetransformed the brand to a top select itemfor the
South America region.
I also hadthehonor of working with CK at ABIT (BrazilianTextileand Clothing
Association), togetherwebuilt the ActionSports Committeeto improve theactive
sports sector in Brazil.In parallelto our work at ABIT, we leadin the fight against piracy
in our industry, through theFNCP (NationalAssociationCombating Piracy,
Counterfeiting and illegaltradepractices).
Nike Brazilcould not select a betterPresident. Congratulations Chris!
Cecilia Castro de AndradePresident Oceanview Investments Corporationless
December 20, 2010, Cecilia was a consultantor contractor to Chris at BILLABONG
INT'L GROUP (BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE,
SECTOR 9, ETC)
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
PRESIDENT South America& GroupSenior Mgmt Team BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC):
ErikaSantos: Marketing/Retail/Styling/MerchandisingProfessional -Founderat
@NomadStylist(Instagram) – Prior Founderof É10 Publicidade
“Chris is the greatest leader I have hadtheopportunityto meet:a visionary, ableto
deliver results never seen before as hedidin Billabong,Nike,and in all thecompanies
who hadtheopportunityto workwith him. His knowledgeof themarket and product
has an unbelievablelevel, and he has a gift to give soul and keep theroots ofthe brands
who hecollaborates.He understands fashion likeno otherin Brazil,and knows better
than anyone howto establish a brand and make it grow sharply - this is what he can do
11. and does as anyone. Chris has a kind heart and its employeesare rewarded with a
faithfulleader, friend and very funny. Working with Chris hada growth so absurd that I
can never repayall that I learned; I grew up and got from him. It's really a privilegeto
work with someone so passionate and who has theabilityto igniteeveryone around
you with your enthusiasm and passion. Chris loves what he doesand does VERY well!
I'm thankful and I will ever be for everything I've learned from him. I have no doubt he is
themost intelligent and capableprofessionalI've ever met in all my professional life.”
November11, 2013, Erika reported to Chris at BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC)
12. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
PRESIDENT South America& GroupSenior Mgmt Team BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC):
Ana Paula Vellozo Luz: BrandManager - Product I MarketingI CommunicationsNike
Brazil, New Balance,etc.:
“CK is a very authenticand unique leader. He challengescreative thinking and give the
best coaching sessions I could ever had!
He is very active and has great talent and knowledge at retail, a great sense and
connection/abilityto understand the consumer and theirneeds; he always taught us
that thissense in him comes from himself being and thinking as a consumer naturally
and not trying to just read report or “patterns” in consumer behavior. He always
encouraged us to go into themarket and “live” theconsumer, live theexperiences. He
was thefirst and last boss I have ever hadthat hassaid this. I never forget this advice; I
am sure onlya true visionary leader thinksthis way.
However, henever looses his focus on the keyof results; he brought record results
consistently and growth to GSM! Heis very approachable,organized and definitely
peopleoriented.Having theopportunityto workwith Chris has been my greatest
professional experience and definitelytheone that taught me themost in my career! ”
April28, 2010, Ana Paula reported to Chris at BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC)
13. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
PRESIDENT South America& GroupSenior Mgmt Team BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC):
Guilherme Scarano: MenswearProduct Coordinator at Cia.Hering - Prior
Billabong Int’l Product Director, RVCA BrandManager:
“Throughout thisalmost four years working together,Chris has always been a great
leader and a visionary.
He has a strong way of leading,and knows how to be reachableand is always open to
hear and discuss new ideas. He has a very clear understanding of themarket that he
chose to work on and always tried to pass that on to his employees.I feellucky to have
spent that time working with him and being ableto learn about product,leadership,
and, among otherthings, howan excellent professional works.
December 23, 2010, Guilherme worked indirectly for Chris at BILLABONGINT'L
GROUP (BILLABONG,ELEMENT,NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR
9, ETC)
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
PRESIDENT South America& GroupSenior Mgmt Team BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, VON ZIPPER,DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC):
Luiz Porto: Director of BusinessDevelopmentat CreativeLicense – Prior CEO Rip Curl
LATAM:
“ I know Chris for a while, since hestarted working for Billabong inBrazil. I must say
he's an outstanding individualand business leader. Hehas the highest levelof
professionalism and integrity.I strongly recommend Chris in any management role.
October 7, 2009, Luiz was with another company when workingwith Chris at
BILLABONGINT'L GROUP (BILLABONG,ELEMENT,NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER,
DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC)
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
PRESIDENT South America& GroupSenior Mgmt Team BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, VON ZIPPER, RVCA, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC):
Don Meek: EVP/Chief CommercialOfficer at Talenthouse I & Pioneerof Surfing &
Action Sports MediaGlobally:
“I had thepleasure of working with Chris when I was president of theAction Sports
Group and Chris was heading up Billabong inLatin America. We collaborated onseveral
14. important initiatives,including exploring the expansion of our distributionin theregion.
Chris is a seasoned and smart executive who understands that being focused and detail
oriented is not the enemy of “cool”, particularlyin theAction Sportsindustry.”
December 20, 2010, Don was a consultant or contractor to Chris at BILLABONG
INT'L GROUP (BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE,
SECTOR 9, ETC)
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
PRESIDENT South America& GroupSenior Mgmt Team BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC):
ElianaFrias: Coordenadora de Produto – Prior Product DirectorElementInc.
“I had theopportunity to workwith Chris, heis mega-demanding,determined,
energetic and passionateabout everything hedoes.
A true leader, focused on themarket, consumers, and theteam to achieve company
goals.
I have seen him and am sure he will succeed in everything you proposeto do and
wherever you are. It was a pleasure to meet him! ”
January 25, 2013, Eliana reportedto Chris at BILLABONGINT'L GROUP
(BILLABONG,ELEMENT, NIXON, RVCA, VON ZIPPER, DAKINE, SECTOR 9, ETC)
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
President C&C BrandsWorldwide RUSTY INT'L - C&C COMPANIES & Global
Brand Development
Dac Clark: Founderof C&C Companies(Group BrandsIncludeGotcha, Redsand,
Rusty, Level 7, LSpace, Sanuk, etc.)
“Chris is most probablythemost inspirationalemployeeand now friend, I have ever
worked with. He worked in my Company for 11 years and I can say that every day
working with him and watching him develop professionallyand personally withinthe
organizationwas nothing short of inspiring to me and motivating. Chris started with us
as an assistant merchandiser and grew to dominatedesign/merchandising, then moved
to productionwhere he exceled and implemented innovative initiativesthat we still
use, then moved to sales management and with a completevision of product from
inceptionto productionto sales to logisticswe promoted himto the roleof Global
Brand Directorand at thesame time sent him to Europe as President of that,struggling
Division of our Business. He succeeded and surpassed all expectationsmyself and my
partner, Paul Carr, ever set for him. I don’t know anyone else I could recommend as
highlyasI can Chris. After working with him for over 11 years theday came when he
tookthedecision to leave to accept a much larger opportunity;Ihated theideaof
15. loosing what I liketo call my “protégé”but I knew thedaywould come where Chris
would have to move on into a challenge/something biggerthanwe couldprovide for
him; he hadalreadyreached the top ofour organization. His loyaltyoverthe years is
also something I shouldpoint out because I know for a fact, never from him, that many
competitorsprovided himopportunities,however I saw him never waiver from our
Business.
Chris without doubt is not just themost talented employeeI’ve ever worked with, but I
now consider him a friend and is part of what I’dlike to thinkof as a “legacy”.
I couldn’t be more proud to see him succeed in every rolehe’s hadsince C&C.”
August12, 2010, Dac Clark was the owner and Chris reported directly to me at C&C
Companies/Rusty, etc.
16. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
President C&C BrandsWorldwide RUSTY INT'L - C&C COMPANIES
Carole DIGER CHIQUIRIN: ASPOM /ACCESS RESSOURCES(Executive Search&
Business Coaching) – Prior CFO at O’Neill Europe, CFO Rusty/C&C Companies Europe:
”I worked with Chris for 4 years, when hewas CEO for Rusty Europe (HQ in Biarritz,
France) and I was Directorof Finance and HR. He came from operating theUSA market
and into to get theEuropean business, a new acquisition for theRusty Group, on line
and perform a completeintegrationand turnaround. Chris adapted very quicklyto
European business lifeand being ableto speak French hewas able to integrateand
quickly move theCompany in theright direction.
We worked really closelyand I can say that as a Manager he directs and strategically
places theCompany in theright directionand then really allowsthe peopleto take
initiativeto progress innovation. Chris is very balanced between the
operational/business/results side as with thecreative side. He is a very creative person
and his abilityto readtrends in all areas repositioned thebrand and put us in thepath to
success. He gave new input in thecollectiontrends and in themarketing strategies
which were very successful and market leading.Most of thiswork was adapted
worldwideand was a point of prestigefor theEuropean operation.Finally,Chris is a
very caring person who is highlyconcerned with thepeopleand theirabilityto grow
and have opportunitiesto succeed. It was a pleasure to work with Chris and I know that
Rusty became a better,stronger Company during his leadership.
September 24, 2010, Carole reported to Chris at RUSTY INT'L - C&C COMPANIES
17. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
President C&C BrandsWorldwide (RUSTY INT'L - C&C COMPANIES) & Mossimo
Inc.
James Sowins: Vice PresidentCreativeDirector& BrandDirector - Dr.Scholls
Divisionat BrownShoe Company – Previous Rip Curl Global VP & Headof Product
Development, MossimoInc. HeadDesigner.
”Chris is a leaderwithin thealternative sport industry due to his high tastelevel and
superior understanding of popularculture worldwide. My experience with Chris during
our tenure togetherat C&C companies was always inspiring. He continues to be a
leader withinthesurf/alternative sport lifestyleindustry worldwide.”
October 14, 2008, James worked directly with Chris at RUSTY INT'L - C&C
COMPANIES & MossimoInc.
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
President C&C BrandsWorldwide RUSTY INT'L - C&C COMPANIES & Global
Brand Development
Roger Wade:Streetwear/CulturePioneer, CEO/Founder BOXPARK RETAIL
CONCEPT BOXFRESH BRAND
“Chris, is a major playerin the ActionSports market. He has great connections with
major Action sports brands like Quiksilver, Rusty, Billabong andHurley as well as
streetwear brand pioneers likeStussy, RVCA, Boxfresh, etc.”
December 20, 2010, Rogerwas with another company when working with Chris at
President C&C BrandsWorldwide RUSTY INT'L - C&C COMPANIES & Global
Brand Development
18. Recommendation for CK in the position of:
President C&C BrandsWorldwide RUSTY INT'L - C&C COMPANIES & Global
Brand Development
SebastienMarcq: Senior MarketingManagerVANS (EMEA)at VF Corporation – Prior
Volcom Inc. MarketingDirector,Rusty MarketingCoordinator:
“Chris Kypriotisor CK has been a real mentor in my first job. I have great souvenirs
working for him as he has always provided excellent advices and directives that allowed
me to outperformmy objectives.Chris's excellent leadership skills kept me motivated
and happyto work for thegroup hewas directing. Hegave me themotivationto get
thingsdone right,thepassion to serve clients and the inspirationto achieve great
results.
January 2, 2011, Sebastien reported to Chris as President C&C Brands Worldwide
RUSTY INT'L - C&C COMPANIES & Global Brand Development
Recommendation for CK in the position of:
President C&C BrandsWorldwide RUSTY INT'L - C&C COMPANIES & Global
Brand Development & Stüssy Inc:
Nick Bower: IndependentApparel & Fashion Professional– Prior Stüssy Inc. VP
Product Director,RedsandApparelVP Product Director,Gotcha Inc. VP Product
Director, ValentinoProduct Development Staff:
“Chris is determined, detailorientated and smart. I have over theyears worked with
Chris and peoplewho have worked with him. His rise in theactive sport industry has
been nothing short of spectacular. I have no hesitationin endorsing Chris.”
October 13, 2012, Nick worked directly with Chris at RUSTY INT’L, REDSAND
STÜSSY, INC.
19. Other Recommendationsnot on file but accessible come from formerBrazil
President LulaIgnacio da Silva, Brazilian Olympic Committee President Carlos
Nuzman, President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and full IOC
Member Francesco Ricci Bitti, Founder of MossimoBrand MossimoGiannulli,
Founder of Stüssy Sean Stussy, Former Nike Brand President Charlie Denson,
Former Nike PresidentOperations Gary De Stefano, Nike Inc. CEO Mark Parker.