Kari Johnson
Los Angeles
Summary
Executive leader with a proven record of building and scaling product, merchandising, and private brand organizations across high-growth apparel and lifestyle companies. Expert in merchandising strategy, DTC growth, product creation, sourcing, and GTM execution. Known for leading cross-functional teams, improving margins, elevating brand identity, and driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth. Highly collaborative, data-driven, and results-focused with strong executive presence.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President, Private Brands
Wantable Inc.
Los Angeles
2024 - Current
- Recruited to build and lead Wantable’s first Private Brand division, creating new DTC revenue streams and increasing merchandise margin.
- Hired and led full LA-based Merchandising, Design, PD, Creative, Marketing, and Social teams.
- Concepted and launched SEAS and INTERVAL women’s apparel brands.
- Built and launched two DTC websites & social channels generating $1M in first-year revenue.
- Designed operating model including master calendar, sourcing/vendor matrix, costing, and SOPs.
- Increased Private Brand penetration within Wantable from $15M (2024) to $35M (2025).
- Improved IMU by 5 points.
- Launched SEAS on Faire generating $100K within six months.
- Provided executive leadership across merchandising, design, planning, production, marketing, and ecommerce.
President
Spiritual Gangster
Los Angeles
2022 - 2023
- Led company turnaround and brand revitalization as directed by the Board.
- Transitioned Finance, HR, IT, Legal, and Fulfillment in-house to reduce costs and improve agility.
- Brought ecommerce operations in-house to improve speed and profitability.
- Improved gross margin by +5 points for 2024.
- Achieved YoY growth in Q1 2024 wholesale pre-bookings.
- Repatriated 50% of production to Los Angeles for improved quality and faster timelines.
- Halted three-year topline revenue decline.
Vice President, Design & Merchandising | Senior Leadership Team
Beyond Yoga
Los Angeles
2020 - 2022
- Established the company’s first merchandising function during rapid growth phase.
- Built merchandising tools including master calendar, product pyramid, pricing architecture, QBR reviews, and line plans.
- Launched major new franchise fabric, expanding the brand’s product offering.
- Senior Leadership Team member contributing to revenue scale from $30M to $100M+.
Chief Creative Officer
La Jolla Group
Irvine
2017 - 2019
- Led creative, design, merchandising, product development, and marketing across multiple brands.
- Rebuilt Target Private Label business strategy driving renewed growth.
- Managed 48-person team across all creative and merchandising functions.
- Spearheaded O’Neill’s first DTC catalog.
- Directed development of Hyperfreak Hydro 'No Tie Fly' boardshort.
- Contributed to corporate strategy as executive leadership team member.
General Manager
O’Neill Women’s
Irvine
2007 - 2017
- Owned full P&L, budgeting, and strategic planning for the Women's division.
- Executed division turnaround and rebrand.
- Grew revenue to $32M while improving profitability.
- Led and developed 39-person multi-functional team.
- Enhanced net income through disciplined merchandising and financial strategies.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration -
University of San Diego
International Business Program -
London School of Economics (Richmond College)
London, EnglandSkills
- Brand vision and creative direction
- Merchandising and design strategy
- Product development and innovation
- Ecommerce and wholesale sales growth
- Assortment planning
- Forecast planning and inventory alignment
- Sourcing, costing, and margin optimization
- P&L management and budget oversight
- Go-to-market strategy
- Consumer insights and trends
- Organizational design and team development
- Operational excellence and process creation
Additional Experience
• Vice President, Product & Marketing — O’Neill Women’s
• Director, Design & Merchandising — O’Neill Women’s
• Founding Member — Style365.com
• Designer / Product Development Manager — Warner Bros Studio Stores
Timeline
Senior Vice President, Private Brands
Wantable Inc.
2024 - Current
President
Spiritual Gangster
2022 - 2023
Vice President, Design & Merchandising | Senior Leadership Team
Beyond Yoga
2020 - 2022
Chief Creative Officer
La Jolla Group
2017 - 2019
General Manager
O’Neill Women’s
2007 - 2017
Bachelor of Business Administration -
University of San Diego
International Business Program -
London School of Economics (Richmond College)