Stuart Haselden is the current Chief Executive Officer of Arc’teryx Equipment, leading the globally renowned Canadian outdoor brand as part of the Amer Sports Group since February 2021. Recognized for his high-performance leadership and strategic brand-building, Haselden brings a 20+ year legacy of global expertise in retail and premium vertical brands from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in the United States, Stuart Haselden earned his BA in Political Science from Auburn University in 1992, followed by an MBA in Finance from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business in 1998. His formative years were marked by service as an Armored Cavalry Officer in the US Army (1992-1996)—an experience that deeply influenced his views on discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Career Milestones
Haselden’s career began in strategic planning at Saks Fifth Avenue (VP Strategic Planning, 1999-2005), where he developed core leadership and retail industry skills. He transitioned to J.Crew, serving variously as SVP, Treasurer and then Chief Financial Officer (2006-2015), navigating the brand through challenging industry cycles.
He joined Lululemon Athletica in 2015, initially as Chief Financial Officer before advancing to COO/EVP, Head of International. During his tenure, Lululemon doubled its revenue and expanded its global footprint. Haselden was credited with helping recover from product quality crises and infrastructure challenges. In 2020, he became CEO of Away Travel in New York, managing the innovative luggage startup for a brief but impactful period before returning to the Pacific Northwest.
Leading Arc’teryx
In February 2021, Haselden was tapped by Amer Sports Group to lead Arc’teryx Equipment as CEO. Based in North Vancouver, Canada, Arc’teryx is a mountain athlete-focused brand known for technical innovation, quality, and uncompromising design. His key mandate has been to accelerate Arc’teryx’s direct-to-consumer strategies, scale its global retail and digital presence, and ensure the brand stays true to its authentic mountain DNA.
Haselden’s leadership style draws heavily on his military background: precision, teamwork, and a clear vision for success. He is known for empowering his teams and cultivating leaders at all levels—”building diverse, high-performing teams and cultivating leaders is central to his approach”.
Significant Achievements and Press
During his tenure, Arc’teryx has:
- Opened a new footwear design center in Portland
- Deepened its commitment to mountain sports and product integrity
- Expanded global retail and digital presence, resisting brand dilution
- Won recognition for workplace innovation and business excellence
- Strategically positioned Arc’teryx under Amer Sports Group for future growth, especially around its IPO in early 2024
His stewardship has garnered praise for maintaining Arc’teryx’s reputation for authenticity, refusing to chase trendy markets, and retaining a “crusty climber” ethos that appeals to both athletes and celebrities.
Recent Developments
Haselden has also become a visible thought leader, sharing guidance on leadership and the future of retail via interviews and lectures. In August 2024, he spoke to Entrepreneur about how military service shaped his philosophy for leading teams to success. In September 2025, his team was honored in Inc.’s “Best Workplaces for Innovators”.
Table: Milestones and Achievements
| Milestone | Role/Impact | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduated from Auburn University | Student | 1992 | Alabama, USA |
| MBA, Tulane University | Graduate | 1998 | Louisiana, USA |
| US Army Officer | Leadership/Military | 1992-1996 | United States |
| VP Strategic Planning, Saks | Retail Strategy | 1999-2005 | New York, USA |
| CFO/SVP Treasurer J.Crew | Corporate Finance | 2006-2015 | New York, USA |
| CFO/COO Lululemon | Operations & Expansion | 2015-2020 | Vancouver, Canada |
| CEO Away | Executive Leadership | 2020-2021 | New York, USA |
| CEO Arc’teryx/Amer Sports | Global Brand Leadership | 2021-Present | Vancouver, Canada |
| Arc’teryx Growth/IPOs | Strategic Expansion | 2021-2024 | Global |
| Inc. Best in Business/Innovation | Team Award | 2024-2025 | Vancouver, Canada |
Stuart Haselden is driving Arc’teryx (Amer Sports Group) to new heights—balancing innovation, authentic brand leadership, and sustainable business practices. His journey blends military discipline, retail strategy, and a passion for outdoor sports, making him a sought-after leader in today’s competitive global market.
