Hot Topic Inc announced that Michael Crooke has joined the company as President of the Hot Topic Division. Michael will oversee all elements of the Hot Topic brand including music, merchandising, planning and allocation, marketing, store design and visual, store operations and hottopic.com.
In his role as Hot Topic President, he will report to Betsy McLaughlin, the Company's Chief Executive Officer. Jerry Cook will assume the title of Chief Operating Officer and maintain his current responsibilities to oversee all operational support functions for Hot Topic, Inc.
Michael Crooke has had a distinguished career that most recently includes the role of Senior Advisor to Steve Case in Revolution Living, LLC. In addition, he completed his PhD in management from the Claremont Graduate University in 2008.
From 1999 to 2005 he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Patagonia Inc and Patagonia's parent company, Lost Arrow Corporation. Prior to Patagonia, Michael served as CEO and Chairman of Pearl Izumi, the premier manufacturer of cycling and performance apparel.
Michael has served and currently serves on the board of directors for a number of private and non-profit organizations. In addition, in the late 1970's Michael served our country as an elite member of the Navy SEALS.
Betsy McLaughlin said, "We are extremely pleased to have Michael join us as the Hot Topic Division President. Michael's experience leading customer focused, culture centric, lifestyle retailers makes him an ideal fit for our team.
In addition to his intense focus on connecting with the customer and driving high brand loyalty, Michael's experience growing a brand while maintaining the authenticity and values of the organization will significantly strengthen our senior management team. Michael's passion, tenacity and profound commitment to bringing new ideas to the table will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for the Hot Topic brand."
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