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Tet Kawakami
Senior Director of Product Development – ROKA Sport Inc. at ROKA
Professional Background
Tet Kawakami is an accomplished professional in the field of product development, specializing in sports apparel and eyewear. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Product Development at ROKA Sport Inc., Tet plays a pivotal role in the innovation and creation of high-performance athletic gear. His extensive experience spans across several prominent companies within the sports and eyewear industries, where he has honed his skills and contributed to the development of cutting-edge products designed for athletes and enthusiasts alike.
Prior to his current role at ROKA, Tet served as the Director of Product Development, where he spearheaded projects that pushed the boundaries of performance wear. His tenure at ROKA is marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for enhancing the athletic experience through well-crafted products. His previous roles include Director of Product Development for Under Armour Eyewear at Eyeking LLC, where he was instrumental in bridging technology with design to create eyewear that meets the demanding needs of active individuals. Before that, Tet gained invaluable experience as a Development Engineer at Oakley, a company renowned for its innovative approach to eyewear and lifestyle accessories.
Across his career, Tet has demonstrated exceptional leadership in product development, particularly in understanding and analyzing market trends, consumer needs, and translating these insights into tangible product features. His background in sculpture and 3D design, gained from his Master of Fine Arts at Pratt Institute, has equipped him with a unique perspective on product aesthetics and functionality.
Education and Achievements
Tet Kawakami’s academic foundation is built upon a solid education in fine arts. He studied for his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Sculpture/3D Design at Pratt Institute, one of the leading institutions for art and design education in the United States. This rigorous program not only refined Tet’s artistic skills but also fostered a deep appreciation for form, structure, and innovative design principles.
His education has significantly influenced his approach to product design, allowing him to integrate artistic creativity with practical engineering requirements, resulting in products that are as visually appealing as they are functional. Tet’s ability to merge artistic vision with commercial viability has set him apart in the competitive landscape of sports product development.
Throughout his professional journey, Tet has actively contributed to the evolution of high-performance sports gear. His work has not only improved product lines but also enhanced the overall customer experience by focusing on the intricate details that make a difference in performance and usability.
Achievements
Tet's career is filled with notable achievements that underscore his expertise and dedication to innovation. As Senior Director of Product Development at ROKA Sport Inc., he has led numerous successful product launches that have received accolades for their design and performance. His leadership has guided teams in developing products that resonate with both professional athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts, solidifying ROKA’s reputation as a leader in the sports gear industry.
During his tenure at Eyeking LLC, Tet contributed to the development of eyewear that seamlessly blends fashion and functionality, ensuring that athletes can perform at their best without compromising on style. His engineering background allowed him to bring a technical perspective to the design process, enhancing the usability and effectiveness of each product.
At Oakley, Tet's role as a Development Engineer allowed him to be at the forefront of technological advancements in eyewear, contributing to innovative features that protect athletes’ eyes while enhancing their performance.
Overall, Tet Kawakami’s background is a testament to his passion for design and excellence in product development. His journey reflects a perfect blend of artistic talent and engineering know-how, making him a notable figure in the world of sports product development. With an eye towards the future, Tet continues to push boundaries and set new standards in the industry.
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