Hurley Family No Longer at Brand under Bluestar
Former Creative Director Ryan Hurley, Former GM Bob Coombes, Former CMO Jeff Hurley – SES file photo
Hurley family members who held key executive positions at the company are no longer at the brand under the new ownership of Bluestar Alliance.
Founder and Brand Ambassador Bob Hurley, Creative Director Ryan Hurley, Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Hurley, and Head of Product Chance King, Bob’s son-in-law, have all departed.
We have asked Bluestar several questions over the course of a few days including about who is leading the company now but have not received a reply.
Sources have told me that some key sales people are still with the brand, but it is unclear who is in charge.
Bluestar, which is not well-known in the licensing industry and is based in New York, typically buys brands and then uses a licensing model, according to its website. Bluestar currently owns brands such as Bebe, Kensie, Brookstone, Limited Too and Tahari, among others. The company manages a portfolio of over 300 licensees.
In addition to the Hurley family, other bidders included Authentic Brands Group, the owner of Volcom; Marquee Brands, the owner of Dakine and Body Glove; and WHP Global, which is backed by $200 million from Oaktree Capital and led by a former Iconix Brand Group executive.
