FILSON’S AND SHINOLA’S PARENT COMPANY APPOINTS NEW CEO

by Christopher Blomquist Dec 08, 2021

Texas-based investment firm Bedrock Manufacturing Company (BMC), which owns the US heritage fashion brands Filson and Shinola, has named Awenate Cobbina as its new CEO, effective January 1, 2022.

The appointment represents an expanded leadership role for Cobbina at BMC, where he currently serves as a member of the Board.

“Awenate has become an active member of the BMC, Shinola and Filson leadership teams during the course of this year,” said Tom Kartsotis, BMC’s founder, in a statement. “In recent months, Cobbina has joined BMC’s board of directors and worked closely with leadership to begin developing a blueprint for future growth.”

Kartsotis will continue to guide BMC in his role as founder. He will work with Cobbina and his team to grow the business.

Prior to joining Bedrock Group LP, the leading investor in BMC, earlier this year, Cobbina led operations as a member of the Biden-Harris Transition’s executive leadership team. He joined the Transition from Pistons Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons, where he served as Vice President of Public and Business Affairs, and Executive Director of the Detroit Pistons Foundation. He was a part of a leadership team that moved the Pistons from Auburn Hills to Detroit in 2017.

Filson’s NYC store near Union Square

Cobbina currently serves as the Chairman of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Executive Committee, Michigan’s public-private partnership for job creation and economic development. Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed him to this role in 2019.

Prior to his time at the Pistons, he served almost six years in the Obama White House as a political appointee, including roles in Legislative Affairs, Management and Budget, and the Chief of Staff’s Office where Cobbina served as Special Assistant to the President and Policy Advisor to the Office of the Chief of Staff.

“I am very honored to be offered the BMC CEO position and am excited to play a role in the company’s journey. I see a bright future for all of the BMC companies and look forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead as our businesses evolve, grow, and create impact on the communities in which we operate,” Awenate said.