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  Mark Weber to RAEN

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  Mark Weber to RAEN

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  Mark Weber to RAEN

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  Mark Weber at his new workplace - Photos courtesy of RAEN

Former senior Hurley executive Mark Weber is the new President and GM of RAEN.

Mark, who has strong relationships with retailers in the industry, held key roles in product, sales and marketing at Hurley, where he worked since the inception of the brand until a recent management restructuring.

I talked with Mark and RAEN co-founder and Creative Director Justin Heit Wednesday, Mark’s first day on the job.

Mark said he was thrilled to be joining RAEN, which he described as an “incredible, independent brand with so much crazy potential.”

He is also excited to be involved with a young company in the early phases again, and to have that emotional ownership and total belief in the brand.

Bringing in Mark and utilizing his experience in product, marketing and sales will help RAEN build on its current momentum, Justin said.

RAEN has grown organically during the tough recessionary years, which Justin believes is a testament to the product and the vision for the brand.

As far as financing, RAEN has a strong board and cash flow position, and has recently “ramped up for growth,” Mark and Justin said.

“We did ramp up and we can ramp up more,” Justin said.

But the overall goal is to remain independent and for RAEN to chart its own course.

“Keeping control of our own destiny is pretty critical,” Mark said. “We plan to maintain that position going forward.”

“We’re 100% in control, independent, and happy about it,” Justin said.

An added bonus for Mark is that RAEN is in North County San Diego, where Mark has his roots.

“It warms my heart to see this pretty bitchin’ resurgence of brands born and grown in San Diego,” Mark said.

“There is definitely a North County uprising,” Justin said.

 

See Page 2 for the official press release

 

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Press Release:

RAEN Introduces Mark Weber as New President and GM

Oceanside, CA – RAEN is pleased to announce Mark Weber as the new President and GM. With the growing momentum of the eyewear and accessory brand, RAEN creative director and co-founder Justin Heit is excited to welcome Weber to the team, and sees this as the necessary next step in the brand’s continued success:

“With more than 15 years of experience in building technically-sound, high-quality products through strategic marketing initiatives and proven sales campaigns, I am confident Weber will help RAEN expand our reach and increase our potential. The fact that he is a San Diego native is an added bonus, and will further propel the brand and maintain the authentic DNA we’ve established over the past 5 years.”

Adding to that, Weber commented that he looks forward to joining RAEN, which not only aligns with his experience, but also resonates with his personal philosophy and aesthetic: “The brand’s understanding of what it takes to build a quality product and connect with a growing consumer base without compromise is why joining the independent company is personally important to me. I’m a huge fan of the product, the team, and the brand in general, and recognize its potential to be a force in this space.”

Weber will be responsible for overall operations of the Southern California eyewear company, including leadership in RAEN’s product, marketing and sales departments. He joins the RAEN team ahead of a holiday season promising big things for the lifestyle and eyewear brand. Along with the addition of Weber to the team, RAEN is announcing the release of a new mixed acetate line of sunglasses that pulls the best of the last year together in one line of products.

About RAEN

RAEN is an independent, modern eyewear brand giving an authentic voice to high-quality product. The handmade eyewear brand creates timeless sunglasses, prescription glasses, and accessories driven by an uncompromising commitment to function and design. RAEN is comprised of designers who are determined to bring innovative products to the marketplace, created for and inspired by the lives they live.