Carlsbad, California – June 11, 2009 – Orange 21 Inc. (NASDAQ:ORNG) is pleased to announce the hiring of Erik Darby as Vice President, Sales. Effective immediately, Erik will direct all sales operations for the North American market.
 
Mr. Darby comes to Orange 21 with a successful track record of sales development, key account management and brand building within the sportswear business. Mr. Darby’s career has included sales and management positions at Nike, Pony, Adidas and Converse.
 
As Director of Sales at Converse, he was an instrumental member of the team that helped redefine the brand. He helped Converse to build a solid sales foundation and return to profitability, which led to its subsequent sale to Nike.
 
“Erik is a perfect fit for Orange 21. He uniquely understands the power and influence of action sports, and the importance of a strong company culture. His experience in strategic sales and retail partnerships brings a solution-oriented perspective to our business. Erik has a proven track record when it comes to developing and executing strategic sales plans. 
 
“With over 25 years of sales experience, Erik’s knowledge base of retailing from small boutique shops to Americas’ top retailers will help guide Orange 21 to new opportunities.
 
“We believe Erik’s experience and vision will be a strong asset for us,” said Stone Douglass, CEO of Orange 21.  “He brings expertise, passion, and solid retail relationships to our sales organization.”
 
Erik is an Oregon native, mountain biker and avid snowboarder. He resides in Carlsbad, California.
 
About Orange 21 Inc.
Orange 21 designs, develops, markets and produces premium products for the action sport, motorsports, snowsports and youth lifestyle markets. Orange 21’s primary brand, Spy Optic, manufactures sunglasses and goggles targeted toward the action sports, motorsports, snowsports and youth lifestyle markets.