MISSION, renowned for its cooling and heat-relief technologies, announces significant changes in its executive team, appointing Jocelyn Thornton as CEO and Deborah Klemm as CFO, as it continues to innovate and expand in the consumer goods sector.
MISSION, the distinguished leader in cooling and heat-relief technologies, is welcoming change to its executive suite with the addition of two seasoned veterans from the consumer goods industry. Jocelyn Thornton and Deborah Klemm have been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer respectively, heralding a new era of leadership aimed at propelling the company’s future growth and innovation.
Jocelyn Thornton, stepping into the role of CEO, brings with her a cache of experience in transforming consumer brand strategies into tangible market successes. Having previously helmed Dearfoams as President, she was instrumental in revitalizing the brand and spearheading aggressive growth through strategic initiatives across sales, merchandising, marketing, and product development. With over a decade and a half spent in senior roles at notable companies such as Earth Shoes, The Doneger Group, Clarks, and Wolverine Worldwide, Thornton is groomed perfectly to steer MISSION’s ambitious projects aligned with consumer wellness and comfort technologies.
Thornton’s appointment has been met with optimism, with Leigh Randall, Managing Partner at Topspin Consumer Partners — the private equity firm that owns MISSION — commending her proven strategic acumen and deep-rooted understanding of consumer brands and omnichannel commerce.
On the financial helm, Deborah Klemm joins as CFO, equipped with extensive prowess in driving fiscal strategy and profitability. Klemm’s prior role as CFO of Morilee by Madeline Gardner saw her managing the financial threads of a complex, design-driven business. Her background also includes significant spells in finance leadership at prestigious fashion and luxury firms, including David Yurman, Escada, and Giorgio Armani. Having navigated financial strategies for these prominent brands, her experience will be key in ensuring MISSION’s financial health and aiding its expansion strategies.
Josh Shaw, Executive Chairman at MISSION, praised Klemm’s record for fostering operational excellence, adding significant weight to the anticipation around her potential impact at MISSION.
Founded in 2009 by a roster of elite athletes like Serena Williams, Dwyane Wade, and Drew Brees, MISSION has positioned itself as a pathbreaker in the industry of heat-relief product innovations. It aims not just at providing comfort but at revolutionizing health, wellness, and productivity for people exposed to harsh heat environments. Distributed across 25,000 stores nationwide, the brand has carved a niche in patenting proprietary cooling technologies.
Moreover, MISSION’s role beyond commercial interests, as a founding partner of the National Heat Safety Coalition, highlights its commitment to societal well-being. This nonprofit strives to enhance safety and performance standards for heat-facing workers across America, collaborating with a spectrum of scientists, researchers, and industry figureheads.
Topspin Consumer Partners, which backs MISSION, is notorious for nurturing promising consumer-focused businesses. Its active role in providing strategic counsel to firms across health & wellness, personal care, and beyond, positions it as a critical player in the business growth landscape.
With Thornton’s visionary brand leadership and Klemm’s financial acumen, MISSION is poised for a thrilling chapter of increased market footprint and technological advancements. As the company embraces these leadership transitions, the industry watches on, anticipating the innovative strides MISSION will take in improving lives through its specialized cooling and heat-relief solutions.