Former Ocean Pacific boss loses cancer battle
16/04/2009
A well known figure in the surf apparel sector, Richard Baker, has died at the age of 62 after losing a two-year battle with cancer.
Mr Baker is credited with having helped shape the surf apparel industry as president of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, and as president and chief executive of the Ocean Pacific brand.
He began working in the apparel industry even before finishing his studies, taking a job at a men's specialty store to help pay his way through college. He later became a buyer with the Bullock's department store chain.
In 1980, he was recruited to run the US division of the Marithé & François Girbaud designer label in New York. He went on to serve as president and chief executive of Izod Ltd.'s menswear division (in 1983), moving on to become president of Esprit Sport in 1986 and later Tommy Hilfiger's women's division.
In 1998, when he returned to the West Coast of the US, he became part of an investment group that acquired the flagging Southern California Ocean Pacific surf brand. Mr Baker became the chief executive, and his efforts at reviving and updating the brand proved so successful that he was able to shepherd the label through two sales: first to Warnaco Group in 2004 for $40 million, and two years later to Iconox Brands for $54 million. He remained brand president until 2006 and acted as consultant for the company in 2007.
The Los Angeles Times said the funeral service for Mr Baker would be private, but that a public memorial service will be held at a later date. The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association has announced plans to honour hom with a Lifetime Achievement Award at its 20th annual Waterman's Ball in August.
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