Kurt Petonke

Kurt Petonke has extensive experience in merchandising and product management roles in various companies. Kurt started their career at The Bon Marche as a Buyer, where they successfully developed strategies to meet financial goals for different product categories. Kurt then joined Nordstrom as a Merchandiser, acting as a liaison between full line stores and the design team. At Eddie Bauer, they served as a Merchandise Manager and later as a DMM/DVP, leading cross-functional teams and driving the men's apparel business. After that, they worked at Pivot Partners, LLC as a Project Manager, focusing on brand, product, and merchandising projects. Kurt then moved on to Shutterfly as a Senior Manager, overseeing core product categories and leading merchandising and design strategies. Kurt later joined Pacific Market International, LLC as a Global Director, driving product development and assortment strategies. In 2016, they worked as a Senior Merchant (contract) at Filson, implementing changes to increase sales and improve efficiency. Kurt then returned to Filson in 2017 as a Senior Merchant - Catalog, providing merchandising and strategic expertise. Most recently, they held the position of Vice President of Merchandising at KNACKSHOPS.COM, where they focused on selecting merchants and artisan products that align with the company’s values.

Kurt Petonke holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Marketing from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The duration of their studies and when they obtained the degree have not been specified.