Skullcandy Strengthens Product Development Platform

Skullcandy, Inc.

today announced strategic changes designed to strengthen its product development platform and accelerate its goal to be the world's most innovative lifestyle and performance audio company. Jeff Hutchings has joined Skullcandy as VP of Engineering and Category from Harman, Inc.

where he most recently served as Director in the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Office and led product innovation and engineering. Jeff has over 25 years of experience in engineering management, hardware, software, embedded systems, and signal processing in both research & development and production roles. Jeff started his audio career 15 years ago at dbx Professional Products, designing professional audio signal processors for studio and tour sound. He holds patents in audio/video networking and headphones with additional patents pending. Jeff is partnered up with Tom Bishop who now leads Skullcandy's Sourcing, Quality, Packaging and Manufacturing groups as well as select product development projects. Tom has been with Skullcandy since 2009 where he founded and built the manufacturing support operations in China and later led Skullcandy's product creation and manufacturing groups for 3 years. Prior to Skullcandy, Tom oversaw Burton Snowboards' hardgoods product development in China for 6 years. Hoby Darling, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "The past couple of years have been highlighted by a number of significant accomplishments, none more so than achieving the position as the #1 selling headphone brand, as measured by units, in the U.S. over the last 18-months. It is clear that our new product introductions along with our enhanced demand creation efforts are resonating with consumers. That said, we feel like we are only just now starting to hit our stride and that the company's transformation into an audio industry leader known for the most innovative and compelling product on the market is still in the early stages. Skullcandy's deep roots in youth culture, forged in the decade since the brand's founding on the mountains of Park City, provide us with a solid, authentic foundation to build on. Our strategy is to further leverage our strong connection to youth and combine it with great products that excite our consumer and deliver amazing experiences at accessible price points." "A few years ago we had less than 10 people focused on product, innovation, research & development and quality. Today over a third of our workforce is dedicated to these critical areas. Our increased commitment to the consumer has resulted in some ground breaking new technologies and the issuance of over 80 global patents," continued Mr. Darling. "The addition of Jeff along with Tom's new role creates a world class product development platform that immediately amplifies our vision and capabilities. Both are tremendous leaders who have the experience and skillset to elevate our teams and benefit our loyal fans and consumers. We take being the people's choice in headphones very seriously and we'll only continue to improve our product offering in the months and years ahead."