I'm Erika Bruhn, a purpose-driven brand and creative strategist who builds differentiated platforms for outdoor, wellness, and active-lifestyle brands. I lead global marketing, creative direction, and portfolio strategy to accelerate revenue, market share, and long-term consumer loyalty across DTC, wholesale, private label, and marketplace channels. I translate core values into compelling storytelling, sustainable brand systems, and high-performing omnichannel programs. As a trusted people leader, I build teams, shape strategy, and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to transform brands into meaningful experiences that resonate in 66 markets and beyond.

Erika Bruhn

I'm Erika Bruhn, a purpose-driven brand and creative strategist who builds differentiated platforms for outdoor, wellness, and active-lifestyle brands. I lead global marketing, creative direction, and portfolio strategy to accelerate revenue, market share, and long-term consumer loyalty across DTC, wholesale, private label, and marketplace channels. I translate core values into compelling storytelling, sustainable brand systems, and high-performing omnichannel programs. As a trusted people leader, I build teams, shape strategy, and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to transform brands into meaningful experiences that resonate in 66 markets and beyond.

Available to hire

I’m Erika Bruhn, a purpose-driven brand and creative strategist who builds differentiated platforms for outdoor, wellness, and active-lifestyle brands. I lead global marketing, creative direction, and portfolio strategy to accelerate revenue, market share, and long-term consumer loyalty across DTC, wholesale, private label, and marketplace channels.

I translate core values into compelling storytelling, sustainable brand systems, and high-performing omnichannel programs. As a trusted people leader, I build teams, shape strategy, and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to transform brands into meaningful experiences that resonate in 66 markets and beyond.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Advanced
German
Advanced

Work Experience

VP Marketing + Communications at Sunday Afternoons
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2025
Steered global brand, marketing, and creative direction for a technical sun-protective headwear brand across 66 markets, balancing DTC, wholesale, and private-label channels. Led a 7-person marketing team, built the function, and managed agencies across PR, social, creative, paid media, and performance marketing. Owned biannual wholesale go-to-market and account toolkits, while driving a digital-first strategy to expand DTC and strengthen brand equity during a multi-year scale phase.
Director, Marketing & Brand at Klean Kanteen
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2017
Reframed global brand and creative strategy for a certified B-Corp pioneer, modernizing positioning around clean hydration and wellness. Built a global brand book and governance to enable 44 markets, launched the #BringYour Own program across digital, retail, events, and partnerships, delivering 24.5M+ impressions, 165% engagement growth, and a 26% YoY lift in sales. Executed a full roll-out of Klean Coat and expanded co-brand collaborations with Apple, Subaru, and Whole Foods, while driving sustainability-led storytelling.
Marketing Manager at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013
Led brand, communications, and experience strategy for the largest privately held craft brewery in the U.S. ($200M annual revenue). Managed a six-person team and a $7M budget, redefining Sierra Nevada as artisan and small-batch through a new brand system, a flagship website and anthem film. Expanded the brewery experience with expanded tours, introduced loyalty programs, and grew Beer Camp into a nationwide experiential platform across 20+ markets.
Brand Strategy Consultant at Independent
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011
Acted as interim marketing director for multiple engagements, guiding brand architecture, GTM strategy, and influencer direction at pivotal inflection points. Led CLIF Bar community programs, guided CamelBak's UV filtration product launch across outdoor and grocery channels, and developed Nike Foundation’s Girl Effect prospectus, presented at Davos.
Marketing Manager at KEEN, Inc.
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008
Directed integrated marketing, brand communications, partnerships, and purpose-led initiatives during KEEN’s growth from $35M to $250M. Accelerated global storytelling with the Hybrid Life positioning, led 18-month STAND campaign, and built a cross-channel marketing program spanning ambassador programs, product launches, and environmental storytelling.
Brand Strategy Consultant at Independent Portland, OR
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011
Acted as interim marketing director for client engagements, including CLIF Bar, CamelBak UV filtration product launch, Nike Foundation Girl Effect prospectus (presented to Davos), and Living Harvest Foods. Shaped brand architecture, GTM strategies, and influencer outreach to establish credibility for hemp foods and other categories.

Education

B.A. Political Science at Haverford College
January 11, 2030 - February 23, 2026
Junior Year Abroad at Sciences Po
January 11, 2030 - February 23, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Retail, Wholesale & Distribution, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Manufacturing, Other