Latest news with #Hosford
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Florida Hairstylist Killed in Luxury High-Rise Garage — and Suspect's Chilling Claim Haunts Loved Ones
Hailey Hosford, 27, was getting out of a car in a Florida parking garage when an assailant attacked her, police say Her friend, Ian Bryant, had stopped off at his luxury apartment building in Sunrise to grab something before bringing Hosford home Hosford was a beloved and popular hair stylist in Fort LauderdaleA Florida hair stylist who was waiting in the parking garage of her friend's luxury apartment building was fatally stabbed when a knife-wielding man attacked her out of nowhere. Just after 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, Hailey Hosford, 27, of Boca Raton, was getting out of her friend Ian Bryant's car in the parking garage at The Retreat at Sawgrass Village in Sunrise, when she saw a man coming toward her, according to an arrest report reviewed by PEOPLE. Hosford 'quickly re-enter(ed) the vehicle in an apparent attempt to hide,' according to the report. But before she could close the door, the suspect, identified as Jackson Sagesse, 21, of Sunrise, allegedly forced the door open and stabbed her repeatedly in the neck and throat, according to the report. When Bryant returned to the garage, the suspect allegedly stabbed him in the throat during a 'violent confrontation,' per the report. With Sagesse allegedly chasing him, Bryant ran from the garage and managed to call 911. Sagesse allegedly returned to the garage and tried to unsuccessfully drive the car with Hosford lying unresponsive on the backseat floor before he fled on foot, according to the report. Police spoke to an employee at the apartment complex who immediately recognized Sagesse as a resident of a nearby apartment building, the report alleges. Sagesse was arrested at the apartment where he lives with his mother, where authorities allegedly found a kitchen knife in his front right pocket that matched one found in the car in the garage, the report states. When Sagesse was read his rights, he allegedly told officers, 'I just killed someone and walked away.' Hosford was pronounced dead at the scene. Bryant was rushed to a local hospital. Sagesse is charged with premeditated murder and attempted murder. He is being held at the Broward County Jail without bond. It is unclear whether he has retained an attorney who can speak on his police continue to investigate, Hosford's loved ones are mourning the loss of the popular hair stylist who owned the Hailey Janes Beauty Boutique in Fort Lauderdale. Hosford's best friend, Aubrey Rosebrock, told 7 News, 'She was a force to be reckoned with.' Bryant stopped off at his apartment that night 'to grab some stuff,' he told 7 News. Then he was going to take her home, he said. 'I know she was a fighter,' he told 7 News. 'I believe she fought, and I believe she was scared.' Growing emotional, he said, 'I want the world to know what her name is and who she was. There's evil, and there's good, and we lost the good. The good lost.' People from all over the world will be attending her funeral, he said. In a GoFundMe set up to help pay for Hosford's Celebration of Life on June 11, organizer Heather Hadwen wrote that remaining contributions will go toward a nonprofit scholarship fund — the Hailey Jane Beauty Foundation — created in her honor. "This sacred offering will provide support for those pursuing their dreams in the world of hair, beauty, and self-expression, a world Hailey illuminated with her passion, artistry, and radiant soul from the young age of 16," Hadwen wrote. A GoFundMe was also set up for Ian Bryant to help him defray medical costs. Read the original article on People
Fashion United
03-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Kizik appoints new chief executive officer
Gareth Hosford was appointed chief executive officer of US footwear brand Kizik and its parent company, HandsFree Labs. Hosford has over 20 years of experience in the footwear and sportswear industries, with previous senior roles at Nike, Converse and sportswear start-up Omorpho. Under Hosford's leadership, Kizik aims to grow further, both online and in brick and mortar stores. His remit is to strengthen the brand's innovative capacity, expand its international presence and leverage the company's patented hands-free technology. Founder Mike Pratt said of Hosford: 'His exceptional track record in building iconic global brands, combined with a start-up mentality and a relentless focus on innovation, make him the right leader to guide us into our next phase of growth. Equally important, Gareth leads with empathy and collaboration, essential qualities that will continue to strengthen and align our direct-to-consumer, wholesale and licensing channels as we accelerate our global growth.' Former chief executive officer Monte Deere will remain on the board and will now focus on licensing strategy. In 2019, Kizik entered into a licensing partnership with Nike. Utah-based Kizik became known for its so-called 'hands-free' sneakers that can be put on without using your hands. Thanks to a special heel design, the shoes flex with your foot. The brand holds over 200 patents on this technology and sells worldwide, primarily through its own online channels. In 2022, the company raised 20 million dollars to invest in new products and stores. Since 2023, Kizik has also been available at department store chain Nordstrom and has opened its first brick and mortar store in Salt Lake City. This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kizik taps Nike vet as CEO
This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Hands-free footwear brand Kizik has named Gareth Hosford its new chief executive officer, effective Monday. Hosford succeeds Monte Deere, who led the brand since 2019 and plans to spend more time with his family, the company said. Deere will remain on the board of parent company HandsFree Lab and advise on the business's licensing arm, according to an announcement. Hosford most recently was chief operating officer and CFO of performance apparel startup Omorpho, and before that, he held leadership positions with Converse and Nike. At Kizik, Hosford will be active in scaling innovation, expanding its global presence and growing its licensing business, per the release. Kizik has tapped a seasoned apparel and footwear executive to lead it into its next chapter of growth. At Nike, Hosford spent over 10 years in senior leadership positions, including as global strategic planning director and general manager of Nike football in the U.K. and Ireland. The CEO change follows other executive appointments at Kizik. Former Sperry executive Elizabeth Drori was named chief marketing officer last July, while Andreas Harlow, a 20-year Nike veteran who was global footwear creative director for the Jordan Brand, was brought on as Kizik's first senior vice president of design in November. As it looks to future growth, Kizik continues to seek ways to expand its product offerings and selling platforms. The brand has opened new stores in the U.S. and established partnerships to sell its products in the U.K., Japan, Canada, South Korea, France, Spain and more. The footwear company also launched its first pop-up location in New York City in 2024. Company executives feel that launching and licensing the brand's hands-free technologies may offer the biggest growth opportunity for the business. 'As we officially launch our HandsFree Labs technology brand, we expect it will become an ingredient across an even wider variety of the shoes you love from your favorite brands on the market,' Deere said in an email. 'We believe HandsFree has the potential to ultimately eclipse our Kizik footwear brand in enterprise value.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kizik and HandsFree Labs Name Industry Veteran, Gareth Hosford, as CEO to Accelerate Global Growth
Former Nike and Converse Executive Tapped to Lead the Rapidly Expanding Hands-Free Footwear Innovator SALT LAKE CITY, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kizik, the leader in hands-free footwear, and its parent company, HandsFree Labs, proudly announce the appointment of Gareth Hosford as Chief Executive Officer, effective today. A proven footwear and fitness industry leader with more than two decades of experience scaling global brands including Nike, Converse, and performance apparel start-up Omorpho, Hosford brings a dynamic blend of corporate rigor and entrepreneurial agility as Kizik enters the next chapter of explosive growth. Hosford's expertise in omni-channel strategy, licensing, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) business models uniquely positions him to steer Kizik and HandsFree Labs through their next phase of rapid expansion. As Kizik continues to evolve from a DTC disruptor to an omni-channel powerhouse, Hosford will focus on scaling innovation, expanding global reach, and unlocking new licensing opportunities through HandsFree Labs' extensive IP portfolio. "We're thrilled to welcome Gareth at a transformative time for Kizik and HandsFree Labs," said Mike Pratt, Founder of Kizik and HandsFree Labs. "His exceptional track record of building iconic global brands, coupled with a start-up mindset and relentless focus on innovation, make him the right leader to help guide us through our next phase of growth. Just as importantly, Gareth leads with empathy and collaboration, essential qualities that will continue to empower and align our direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and licensing channels as we accelerate our global growth." At Nike, Hosford spent over a decade in senior roles across global business units. He led growth strategies as Global Strategic Planning Director, developed category expansions in Action Sports, Jordan, and Tennis, and later managed $100M+ in licensing and retail revenue as Director of Global Clubs & Federations. As General Manager of Nike Football UK & Ireland, he delivered double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth. Hosford later joined Converse as Chief Commercial Officer, where he oversaw a global team of employees and led a $3 billion business across multiple markets. Most recently, he led the launch and scaling of Omorpho, a performance wear and fitness equipment start-up, as both CFO and COO. "I'm incredibly honored to join Kizik and HandsFree Labs at such a pivotal moment," said Hosford. "In just a few short years, Kizik has achieved what most brands take decades to accomplish—transforming a simple idea into a category-defining movement. The brand's momentum is extraordinary, and the opportunity ahead is even bigger. I'm thrilled to help lead the next chapter of this revolution in footwear, amplifying innovation, expanding our global footprint, and scaling our patented hands-free technology to redefine convenience, comfort, and performance for consumers around the world." As Hosford assumes the CEO role, Monte Deere, who has led the company since 2019, will remain a key strategic force—continuing to serve on the board of Kizik and HandsFree Labs where he'll advise on the company's licensing arm of the business. With global demand for HandsFree Labs' patented technology surging—and with existing partnerships that include industry giants like Nike—Deere's deep expertise in law, intellectual property, and M&A makes him uniquely positioned to scale the company's licensing strategy and maximize the commercial potential of its groundbreaking IP portfolio. About KizikBased in Lindon, Utah, Kizik is the industry's leading hands-free footwear brand, recognized for its groundbreaking innovations and stylish designs. Kizik holds more than 200 pending and granted patents, offering a frictionless and convenient footwear experience for men, women, and kids. To learn more, visit or follow @kizik. About HandsFree Labs HandsFree Labs is the industry's only hands-free footwear technology that provides world-class innovations – giving your brand a competitive edge in convenience without sacrificing comfort and style. The lab, based in Lindon, Utah, focuses on empowering world-leading footwear brands, such as Kizik, with innovative patented hands-free technology. To learn more, visit or follow @handsfreelabs. PR Contact: kizik@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kizik
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to handle anti-Americanism abroad
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article said that Tyler Hosford is a regional security manager for International SOS. Hosford is a regional security director. This article has been updated. Originally moved Feb. 25. - - - Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. About 20 miles from the Canada-U.S. border, Paula Opdam stocks her two gift shops with Canadian products. Last week, she placed a large order for one of this year's most popular statement pieces: T-shirts, hats and hoodies that read 'Canada Is Not for Sale.' 'They are going to be huge,' said Opdam, who owns Grant's Gifts and the Picket Fence in Port Colborne, Ontario, a short drive from the Buffalo crossing. The merchandise is not intended to offend her south-of-the-border shoppers, Opdam said by phone between customers. They are a cheeky rebuttal to President Donald Trump's bid to absorb Canada as the 51st state. 'We love our American customers,' Opdam said. Since Trump took office last month, the new administration has released a flurry of foreign-policy plans that could erode good will with allies. International relations experts caution that anti-American sentiment could bubble up, straining interactions between American tourists and residents of the places they visit. 'If there are bilateral problems between governments, then you may see some pushback in the streets,' said Tara Sonenshine, a professor at Tufts University's Fletcher School who served as President Barack Obama's undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs. Trump's vow to reclaim the Panama Canal has sparked impassioned protests in the Central American nation, including the burning of U.S. flags. Travelers in Canada, Mexico and China could catch grief from nationals unhappy about tariffs (real and proposed). Trump's repeated desire to acquire Greenland could dampen the anticipated arrival of the first nonstop flight from Newark to Nuuk, which will debut in June. Diplomacy and travel safety experts have not noticed a spike in animosity toward Americans in Trump's second term. But it's still early, said Tyler Hosford, the regional security director for International SOS, a risk assessment firm. 'It takes time for these things to really shake out,' Hosford said. 'We could get to the other side of the summer and it might not be the same landscape.' Despite the relative calm, Hosford has been hearing from concerned travelers about whether they will be greeted with open - or crossed - arms. His advice to them is to blend in, keep a low profile and don't wear your citizenry on your sleeve. - - - Read the signs of confrontation Violent anti-American demonstrations are rare. In general, travelers will face a more benign strain of dissent. 'There will be people who are certainly not pleased with the American government and with the president in particular,' said Barbara Bodine, director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. 'It doesn't mean they are necessarily hostile to you or to Americans writ large.' Pamela Eyring, president and owner of the Protocol School of Washington, said locals could express their displeasure through their body language, such as by avoiding your glance, frowning or walking away. On the extreme end, Eyring said, they could call you names or toss empty bottles, trash or food in your direction. When out exploring, tourists might notice anti-American graffiti, outdoor murals or posters, or attire with salty slogans. 'Don't take it personally or judge one person's hostile thinking or actions to represent all of their people,' Eyring said. You can never be too cautious, however. Bodine, a former ambassador to Yemen, advises travelers to check resources listed by the U.S. Embassy in their destination for advisories and alerts. 'They will have the best feel,' she said. Sonenshine recommends gauging the pulse through social media, such as Reddit, and local news outlets. A general rule of thumb is to stay clear of large gatherings or marches, even if you identify with the cause. Your foreignness could draw unwanted attention or scrutiny. - - - Deflect political conversations 'Where are you from?' For locals and tourists, the question can be an icebreaker. But your answer can lead to more probing topics. 'They may ask you what is going on, or 'Why is your government doing this to us,'' Bodine said. 'I certainly get those questions when I travel abroad.' Bodine said she does not see any advantage to confronting, defending or trying to explain U.S. affairs, regardless of your political views or affiliation. Her advice is to politely extricate yourself from the situation by telling the interlocutor that you are on holiday and detoxing from the news. If the person persists, she recommends this sample script: 'I'm a tourist. I'm not here as a government representative. I don't speak for my government. Can I just please enjoy my hamburger?' Eyring will pair a smile with an equanimous response, such as 'It's a little chaotic right now, and I'm delighted to be in your country for vacation.' Or, 'Every country has its challenges, including the U.S.' If that doesn't work, try redirecting the conversation toward noncontroversial topics such as the weather, local attractions or restaurant recommendations. Or ask them about their connection to the destination. Reciprocate the 'Where are you from?' question. If the exchange turns heated, excuse yourself and leave the premises. 'Safety supersedes etiquette,' said Daniel Post Senning, the great-great grandson of Emily Post and a co-author of several etiquette books. - - - Don't pretend to be from somewhere else To avoid a potential conflict, you might be tempted to assume another nationality. Experts advise against falsely claiming another identity, a practice that traces back to the Vietnam War era, when U.S. travelers sewed Canadian patches onto their backpacks. 'It's hard to cover up your Americanness in this world,' Senning said. 'Rather than try to mask it, make an effort to be a good guest.' Etiquette specialists such as Senning and Eyring say basic manners, common courtesy and cultural sensitivity can act as a balm. For example, learn a few key phrases in the country's language, especially polite words like 'please' and 'thank you.' Practice greeting customs. Dress neutrally, not patriotically. Skip the garments with offensive or incendiary slogans. Avoid loud behaviors, such as taking video calls in public places. Respect the traditional meal and prayer times. In other words, be an exemplary visitor, above reproach. 'The things that make you a bad traveler, to use a term from the [20th century], an 'Ugly American,' are remarkably consistent,' Hosford said. 'But the stakes are higher in environments where there's more tension, more stress and more pressure.' Related Content Who is the real Hank Azaria? For a while, even he didn't know. After Trump threats, Hong Kong firm to sell stake in Panama Canal ports Federal workers haunted by Oklahoma City bombing fear Trump's barbs
