
Rhone strengthens its leadership team as it enters its next phase of growth
STAMFORD, Conn., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rhone, the performance-led lifestyle brand built to drive sustained progress, today announced the appointment of Alexa Andersen as Chief Merchandising Officer.
With over 20 years of experience across the performance apparel industry, Andersen brings deep expertise in merchandising and product strategy and brand building. At Rhone, she will oversee the merchandising and design teams, as the brand continues to scale its product and retail strategy.
Before joining Rhone, Andersen was SVP of Merchandising at Puma North America, where she led the North America merchandising organization across wholesale and direct-to-consumer businesses, overseeing footwear, apparel and accessories strategy while driving brand elevation, marketplace segmentation and commercial growth. Andersen also led North America's collaborations and partnerships strategy, bringing together product, brand and marketplace opportunities to drive cultural relevance and growth. Prior to Puma, Andersen led Product Creation and Merchandising for Strategic Initiatives, Collaborations and Partnerships at Lululemon, helping build emerging and high-growth areas of the business, leading product strategy across technical performance and major global brand moments, including the Olympic Games, and establishing wholesale and marketplace strategies globally. Her career also includes merchandising leadership roles at Adidas, Asics and Nike.
"We're thrilled to welcome Alexa to Rhone," said Nate Checketts, CEO & Co-Founder of Rhone. "Her track record building and elevating merchandising organizations at some of the most respected brands in the industry speaks for itself, but what stood out most was how naturally her values align with ours. Alexa understands that great product and long-term brand building go hand in hand, and she's going to be an incredible partner as we continue to grow with intention."
Raised in Mexico and shaped by living and working across the U.S., Italy and the Netherlands, Andersen brings a global perspective and multicultural leadership style to her new role, along with a lifelong passion for sport, fashion and innovation.
"After spending my career at some incredible big brands, I've seen how the pressure to deliver short-term growth can sometimes pull focus away from long-term vision and brand building," said Alexa Andersen. "What drew me to Rhone is the chance to be part of a business that's moved past the startup stage but is still very much in growth mode, where you can actually see the fruits of your labor. The product is incredible, the people are some of the most genuine I've met in this industry, and it's clear that Nate and Ben's commitment to Mental Fitness isn't just a marketing message, it's something they truly live and believe in. I couldn't be more excited to help build what's next."
Andersen's appointment marks a key milestone in Rhone's continued evolution as a leader in premium performance apparel. With an emphasis on restless innovation and the pursuit of progress, Rhone continues to strengthen its foundation for long-term success and impact.
About Rhone
Rhone is performance driven apparel made by and for those in the pursuit of progress. Founded in 2014 by brothers Nate and Ben Checketts, we exist to inspire, equip, and support individuals in their pursuit of progress, both physically and mentally. More than just apparel, Rhone is a mindset, championing the power of being a little better every day. With a relentless focus on performance, innovation, and style, our products are engineered to move with you, wherever the pursuit takes you. Rhone operates over 20 retail stores across the U.S., each serving as a hub for community, connection, and the Forever Forward mindset. Learn more at www.rhone.com.
For more information, please contact:
Clara Berkeley
[email protected]
SOURCE Rhone Apparel Inc
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