Filson, the outdoor outfitter and apparel manufacturer, has announced that Paolo Corinaldesi has been named as chief executive officer, the sixth CEO in the brand’s 124-year history.

Corinaldesi joins Filson as part of his role with WP Lavori, the international apparel brand licensee, distributor and retail group, which invested in Filson in 2020 and acquired 10% of the brand.

Most recently, Corinaldesi served as a global strategist with WP Lavori, working with brands such as Blundstone, Baracuta and Barbour, among others. Prior to that, Corinaldesi was CEO of Woolrich International, where he managed the merger of the brand’s US and European business, led new international partnerships and oversaw the development of the brand’s retail sales network.

“Filson’s long-standing history and reputation for reliability are testaments to our commitment to our customers,” said Alex Carleton, Filson’s chief creative officer. “Paolo shares those values, and with his leadership and extensive retail experience, he will drive business growth and continue to build on Filson’s legacy.”

Filson wool shirt
Photo: Filson
Filson wool shirt
Established in 1897 to outfit customers headed to the Klondike Gold Rush, founder C.C. Filson designed durable and reliable products for the most demanding conditions. After the Gold Rush, it focused on clothing for the timber industry, such as the Filson Cruiser, patented in 1914, which became the official attire of the US Forest Service and continues to influence the brand’s bestselling items today. Filson’s signature materials offer tough clothing that has established itself as a favorite of hunters, anglers, explorers and anyone who has a passion for the outdoors.

In 2021, the brand expects to continue to accelerate its growth by focusing on international expansion and new product offerings, including its recently introduced sewn-in-the-US denim collection.

“After Woolrich, I thought that my time as an executive was over, but when the opportunity to join Filson came along, I couldn’t say ‘no,’” said Corinaldesi. “Filson has a very special history and holds a unique place in today’s market. I am excited to join this great team and continue to grow the brand through new product innovations, expanding our retail footprint and building our international presence.”

Rugged twill bag by Filson
Photo: Filson
Rugged twill bag by Filson
Detroit-based Bedrock Manufacturing Company is the parent and majority owner company of Filson. Founder Tom Kartsotis will continue to oversee Filson and work alongside Corinaldesi and Carleton to build the business. Corinaldesi’s focus will be on operations, finance and sales while Carleton will manage brand marketing, product and merchandising.



READ ALSO:
Maxi fashion hub to open in Shanghai

Brands

Maxi fashion hub to open in Shanghai

Read more →
Adidas joins forces with Fear of God

Brands

Adidas joins forces with Fear of God

Read more →
Meet Dirk Pracel, Woolrich's new sales director Germany

Appointment

Meet Dirk Pracel, Woolrich's new sales director Germany

Read more →