Bill Langrell, President of Taos Footwear
Taos Footwear has appointed Simon Velasquez as Vice President of International Sales and Ryan Nishioka as National Sales Manager. The additions strengthen the company’s sales leadership in the United States and abroad while reinforcing its commitment to shopping in stores as an essential part of the Taos brand and customer experience.
That approach extends across the retail channel, from locally owned independent stores and regional chains to national retailers and department stores. Taos believes strong brands should help good retailers become stronger, while retailer knowledge, service, and direct customer feedback help the brand improve. Along those lines, the company will continue investing in product, marketing, education, and sales support that equips retail partners to tell the complete Taos story and serve their customers well.
“Retail stores have always been central to how people discover Taos, understand our support, and find the right fit,” says Bill Langrell, president of Taos. “At the same time, digital tools have changed how consumers learn, compare, and shop. Our strategy is designed to make those strengths work together. Ryan and Simon bring the experience and judgment to help us support strong retail partnerships, build demand for the brand, and grow in a disciplined way across national and international markets.”
Langrell adds that Taos views physical retail and digital growth as complementary strengths. Stores give consumers the opportunity to experience the product, receive knowledgeable fit guidance, and build confidence in the brand. While digital channels broaden awareness, make discovery and education easier, and help create demand that benefits the entire marketplace. Customers move freely between these environments; the company’s goal is to provide a consistent brand experience wherever they choose to shop, he says.
The appointments come as Taos builds on sustained domestic growth, increasing brand awareness and growing demand for supportive footwear. Nishioka, a long-time Deckers Brands sales executive, will focus on national sales strategy and retail-partner development across the U.S. Meanwhile, Velasquez (a veteran of Crocs, Wolverine Worldwide, and Dexter) will guide international expansion, building on Taos’ established and growing businesses in Canada and Australia while developing select opportunities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America regions.
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