Canadian luxury outerwear brand Moose Knuckles has appointed seasoned fashion executive Ellen Kinney as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal step in the company’s global expansion and brand evolution.
The Montréal-based label, widely recognized for its high-performance outerwear and bold design ethos, made the announcement this week, citing Kinney’s extensive leadership experience and proven ability to scale premium fashion brands.
Kinney brings over two decades of senior leadership in fashion and retail to the helm of Moose Knuckles. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of A.L.C., where she led growth across direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels, while enhancing the brand’s operational execution. Her previous executive roles include CEO of Kendall + Kylie and Executive Vice President and Chief Merchant at Derek Lam International, with additional senior positions at Rebecca Taylor, Scoop, and other contemporary fashion labels.
“Moose Knuckles is a brand with tremendous creative energy, global resonance, and untapped potential,” said Kinney in the announcement. “I’m honored to take on this role and excited to work alongside such a talented team as we shape the next chapter of growth, innovation, and cultural impact.”
Kinney will be based out of the brand’s global headquarters in Montréal, overseeing product development, operations, and international retail expansion efforts across North America, Europe, and Asia.
A Strategic Appointment to Drive Global Ambitions
The appointment comes as Moose Knuckles continues to expand its retail footprint internationally. The brand operates more than 30 stores globally and is stocked by leading department stores and boutiques in over 25 countries. Offices have been established in key markets including New York, Milan, London, and Shanghai.
“Ellen is a dynamic and proven leader with exceptional merchandising instincts and a deep understanding of premium consumer brands,” said Victor Luis, Chairman of Moose Knuckles. “Her ability to blend creativity with commercial strategy makes her the ideal CEO to lead Moose Knuckles through this continued phase of growth.”
Backed by Global Investment and Strategic Partnerships
In 2019, private equity firm Cathay Capital took a minority stake in Moose Knuckles, injecting capital and strategic guidance to support global growth initiatives, particularly in the Asian market. More recently, Chinese apparel conglomerate Bosideng became the brand’s largest shareholder, acquiring over 30% of the company.
“Since Cathay Capital partnered with Moose Knuckles, the brand has leveraged its status as a bold Canadian icon to become a truly global name,” said Jean-Marc Prunet, Partner at Cathay Capital. “Ellen combines exceptional creative talent with a sharp understanding of today’s consumer, enabling her to make the brand even more desirable and culturally relevant.”
Prunet added, “Her proven ability to scale premium fashion houses while honouring their DNA makes her the ideal leader to accelerate our geographic and consumer expansion.”
Deep Roots in Canadian Heritage and Craftsmanship
Founded in 2009 in Montréal by Noah Stern and Ayal Twik, Moose Knuckles was built on a family legacy dating back to 1921, rooted in the manufacturing of cold-weather apparel. The brand name combines symbols of Canadian identity—“moose” for resilience and “knuckles” for toughness.
From its inception, Moose Knuckles set out to redefine luxury outerwear by fusing extreme cold-weather performance with edgy, fashion-forward design. Each coat undergoes over 70 production steps involving more than 90 skilled artisans, with many pieces manufactured in Canada using premium materials including 90/10 down fill, YKK zippers, and wind-resistant fabrics. Signature details such as detachable fur trims and the “MK” metal logo have become visual hallmarks.
Evolving with Creative Direction and Cultural Currency
Under the creative leadership of Carlos Nazario—appointed Global Creative Director in 2023 until February 2025—the brand has continued to push its urban lifestyle appeal. Recent campaigns have featured Canadian icons like Alanis Morissette and Mustafa the Poet, while high-profile collaborations with designers including Telfar and Eckhaus Latta have positioned Moose Knuckles at the intersection of luxury and streetwear.
Kinney’s appointment signals a continuation of this strategic focus on cultural relevance, fashion-forward design, and customer experience.
Beyond fashion, Moose Knuckles has actively pursued initiatives supporting community engagement and ethical business practices. Coat drives benefiting underserved communities, commitments to ethical sourcing, and investments in sustainable manufacturing practices reflect the brand’s alignment with modern consumer values.
Positioning for the Future
With Kinney at the helm, Moose Knuckles appears poised to enter a new phase of global scaling and brand development, building on its strong Canadian foundation while resonating with international audiences.
The company will continue to operate from Montréal, further anchoring its brand identity in its Canadian roots while expanding its presence in global fashion capitals.
