Outdoor Cap Names New Head of Technology

Tom Arens, Outdoor Cap Company (asi/75420)

Tom Arens has experience developing and managing IT teams at Fortune 100 companies and startups.

Now, he’s joining Counselor Top 40 supplier Outdoor Cap Company (asi/75420) as head of technology. Arens’ charge is to foster collaboration and innovation to drive successful projects and improve the hat-making company’s performance, executives said.

“I am thrilled to join Outdoor Cap and contribute to a company that is not only a leader in headwear but also deeply invested in its community and the environment,” said Arens in a statement.

An Arkansas native with degrees from the University of Arkansas and Harding University (MBA), Arens was previously manager of environmental analytics for Tyson Foods, chief information officer at ARcare, and senior director, technology and analytics, at Acorn: The Influence Company.

In a LinkedIn post, Arens said transitioning from healthcare at ARcare, his most recent role, to a company focused on manufacturing and providing headwear is exciting.

“This transition has highlighted the unique value of moving between industries – bringing fresh perspectives, adapting to new challenges and applying diverse skills in new ways,” Arens said. “One thing I’ve learned is that no matter where you are, the importance of hard work and the power of collaboration are universal.”

Outside work, Arens organizes clean-up efforts in state parks and national forests and serves on the board of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation, according to Outdoor Cap.

Outdoor Cap has been on a hiring hot streak lately. In addition to Arens, the firm recently hired former Nike sourcing leader Eddie Benford to the role of head of product, while naming Kim Jones head of manufacturing.

In business for more than 45 years, Outdoor Cap Company serves about 14,000 customers in verticals that include team sports, promotional products and retail. Based on reported 2023 North American promotional product revenue of $54 million, the headwear maker ranked 37 on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry.