Meet the Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation

Deckers Outdoor Corporation is an American apparel and footwear manufacturer that has been around since 1973. The company's success over the years is undoubtedly attributed to the Board of Directors, a group of skilled, experienced, and dedicated individuals who are responsible for overseeing the company's management and overall direction. In this article, we will meet the members of the Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation and explore their backgrounds, roles, and responsibilities in running the company.

Introduction to Deckers Outdoor Corporation

Deckers Outdoor Corporation is a publicly-traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "DECK". Headquartered in Goleta, California, the company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and selling footwear, apparel, and accessories under several popular brands such as UGG, Teva, HOKA One One, and Sanuk.

Deckers Outdoor Corporation was founded in 1973 by Doug Otto, who started the company with just $500 in his pocket. Today, the company has grown to become a global leader in the footwear industry, with operations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

In addition to its focus on product design and innovation, Deckers Outdoor Corporation is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The company has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using recycled materials in its products and reducing its carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices. Deckers also supports various charitable organizations and community initiatives, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Santa Barbara Foodbank.

What is the Deckers Outdoor Corporation?

The Deckers Outdoor Corporation is a leading American apparel and footwear company that has been in business for nearly five decades. With over 3,000 employees and a presence in more than 50 countries, the company's mission is to create innovative footwear and apparel that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for its customers.

Deckers Outdoor Corporation is known for its popular brands such as UGG, Teva, Sanuk, and Hoka One One. UGG is a well-known brand that specializes in sheepskin boots, while Teva is known for its comfortable and durable sandals. Sanuk offers casual footwear for men and women, and Hoka One One is a brand that specializes in running shoes.

The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Deckers Outdoor Corporation has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2025 and has also implemented a program to reduce waste in its operations. Additionally, the company has partnered with various organizations to promote sustainability and environmental conservation.

History of the Deckers Outdoor Corporation

Deckers Outdoor Corporation was founded in 1973 by a University of California, Santa Barbara graduate named Doug Otto. The company originally sold sandals under the name "The Deckers Corporation". However, in 2003, the company changed its name to Deckers Outdoor Corporation to reflect its growing line of outdoor footwear and apparel products. Since then, the company has experienced tremendous growth and has become a recognized leader in the footwear industry.

In 2011, Deckers Outdoor Corporation acquired the popular footwear brand Sanuk. Sanuk is known for its unique and comfortable sandals and shoes, and the acquisition helped Deckers expand its product line even further. The company also acquired the brand Hoka One One in 2012, which specializes in running shoes with extra cushioning and support.

Deckers Outdoor Corporation has also been committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. In 2016, the company launched its "Tread Lightly" initiative, which focuses on reducing the company's environmental impact and promoting responsible manufacturing. The company has also been recognized for its efforts in ethical sourcing and labor practices, and has received awards for its commitment to social responsibility.

Importance of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation plays a crucial role in ensuring the company's success. The board members are responsible for making high-level strategic decisions that guide the company's direction and growth while also overseeing the company's management team. As such, the board members must be highly competent, skilled, and experienced individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

One of the key responsibilities of the Board of Directors is to ensure that the company operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes overseeing the company's financial reporting and ensuring that the company's operations are ethical and transparent. The board members must also ensure that the company's risk management strategies are effective and that the company is adequately prepared to handle any potential risks or crises.

Another important role of the Board of Directors is to provide guidance and support to the company's management team. This includes setting performance goals and objectives, evaluating the performance of the CEO and other top executives, and providing feedback and advice on key business decisions. The board members must also ensure that the company's compensation and benefits policies are fair and competitive, and that the company is attracting and retaining top talent.

Who are the Members of the Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation is composed of ten individuals. The current members of the board are:

• Angel R. Martinez – Chairman of the Board
• David E. Lafitte – Lead Independent Director
• David W. Powers
• Kim M. Rivera
• John M. Gibbons
• Wendy Yang
• Bonnie Brooks
• Nelson Chan
• Dania S. Rich-Spencer
• Jeffrey B. Swartz

The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the management of the company and making important decisions that affect the direction of the business. They are elected by the shareholders and serve a term of one year. In addition to their regular meetings, the Board also has several committees that focus on specific areas such as audit, compensation, and governance. These committees help to ensure that the Board is able to make informed decisions and act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders.

Overview of each Member's Background and Experience

The Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation is composed of highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals from various backgrounds such as retail, finance, consumer products, marketing, and technology. Chairman Angel R. Martinez, for instance, has over 40 years of experience in the apparel and footwear industry, having served as the CEO of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, Reebok International, and Rockport. Other board members, such as David W. Powers, Kim M. Rivera, and John M. Gibbons, have held high-level executive roles in several Fortune 500 companies and bring forth a wealth of expertise in areas such as finance, legal, and strategic planning.

In addition to their impressive professional backgrounds, the members of the Board of Directors also have a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. For example, Director David W. Powers has been recognized for his work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, while Director Kim M. Rivera has been a vocal advocate for environmental sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of the companies she has worked for. The Board as a whole has also made a commitment to ethical business practices and has implemented policies to ensure that the company operates in a socially responsible manner.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Board Members

The Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation is responsible for overseeing the company's overall direction and strategy, reviewing and approving major decisions such as mergers and acquisitions, setting executive compensation, and ensuring the company's financial performance. The board also has a responsibility for ensuring the company's compliance with legal and regulatory guidelines.

In addition to these primary responsibilities, the Board of Directors also plays a crucial role in risk management. They must identify and assess potential risks to the company, develop strategies to mitigate those risks, and monitor the effectiveness of those strategies over time. This includes overseeing the company's cybersecurity measures, as well as ensuring that the company has appropriate insurance coverage.

Another important responsibility of the Board of Directors is to ensure that the company is operating in an ethical and socially responsible manner. This includes setting policies and guidelines for corporate social responsibility, such as environmental sustainability and fair labor practices, and monitoring the company's adherence to these standards. The board must also ensure that the company is transparent in its reporting and communication with stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, and customers.

The Decision-Making Process at Deckers Outdoor Corporation

The decision-making process at Deckers Outdoor Corporation is a collaborative effort between the Board of Directors and the company's management team. The board members work closely with the CEO and other executives to review and approve strategic initiatives, make key hires, and assess risks associated with the company's operations.

In addition, the company also solicits feedback from employees at all levels of the organization to ensure that decisions are informed by a diverse range of perspectives. This approach fosters a culture of transparency and inclusivity, and helps to ensure that the company is well-positioned to adapt to changing market conditions and emerging trends.

The Future Direction of Deckers Outdoor Corporation

With a seasoned Board of Directors and a strong management team, Deckers Outdoor Corporation appears poised for continued success in the future. The company has experienced steady growth over the years and has made strategic investments in digital technology and expanding its presence in international markets.

One area of focus for Deckers Outdoor Corporation in the future is sustainability. The company has already taken steps to reduce its environmental impact by implementing eco-friendly practices in its manufacturing processes and using sustainable materials in its products. Moving forward, Deckers plans to continue to prioritize sustainability and explore new ways to reduce its carbon footprint.

Another key aspect of Deckers' future direction is innovation. The company has a history of introducing new and innovative products, such as the UGG Classic boot, which has become a cultural icon. To maintain its competitive edge, Deckers will continue to invest in research and development, exploring new materials, designs, and technologies to create products that meet the evolving needs and preferences of its customers.

Challenges Faced by the Board Members in Running the Company

The Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation is responsible for ensuring the company's success, but this comes with many challenges. For instance, they must navigate a rapidly evolving retail landscape, changing consumer preferences, and increasing competition in the industry. The board must also be proactive in addressing issues related to corporate responsibility and sustainability, ensuring that the company operates in a socially responsible and environmentally friendly manner.

Another challenge faced by the board members is managing the company's finances. They must make strategic decisions on how to allocate resources, invest in new projects, and manage debt. Additionally, they must ensure that the company is compliant with financial regulations and reporting requirements.

Furthermore, the board members must also deal with internal challenges such as managing conflicts of interest, ensuring diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and maintaining a positive company culture. They must also make difficult decisions related to employee layoffs, restructuring, and other sensitive issues that can impact the company's reputation and bottom line.

Recent Achievements and Accomplishments of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation has achieved significant accomplishments over the years, such as guiding the company's expansion into new markets globally, increasing shareholder value, and executing several successful mergers and acquisitions. In 2018, the board announced its "Feet for a Better World" initiative, which aims to reduce the company's environmental impact and promote social responsibility across the business.

Impact of the Board's Decisions on Stakeholders and Investors

The Board of Directors' decisions have a significant impact not only on the company's management and employees but also on stakeholders and investors. Board members must balance the company's short-term and long-term interests while ensuring the company's financial stability and growth. This involves taking into account the needs of shareholders, customers, employees, and the community at large.

Influence of Corporate Governance on Deckers Outdoor Corporation's Success

Corporate governance plays a critical role in Deckers Outdoor Corporation's success. The company's Board of Directors is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity throughout the organization. As such, they have implemented robust governance practices and policies that align with industry best practices and are focused on driving the company's long-term success.

In conclusion, the Board of Directors of Deckers Outdoor Corporation is a group of highly accomplished individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. They play a crucial role in guiding the company's direction and growth, while also ensuring that the company operates in a socially responsible and sustainable manner. With the strong leadership of the board and the company's management team, Deckers Outdoor Corporation is well-positioned for continued success in the future.