Roots Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Roots has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, marketing, and technology development.

Rooted in a commitment to quality and Canadian heritage, Roots delivers premium leather goods and apparel that bridge the gap between outdoor functionality and contemporary lifestyle design for global consumers.

Leadership Roles at Roots

  • Chief Executive Officer - Brian Drenth
  • Owner & Chief Executive Officer - Martina Jensen
  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Chaz Perera
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Vanessa Oly
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Meghan Roach
  • Acting Chief Executive Officer - Owen Martin
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Clint Jarvis
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mike Beard
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Leslie Golts
  • Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer - John Cottongim
  • Brian Drenth - Chief Executive Officer

    Brian Drenth, the Chief Executive Officer at Roots, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the brand. Drenth manages the expansion of the retail footprint across North American markets while ensuring that product development remains aligned with the company's core identity. By overseeing the integration of premium leather goods and apparel lines, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards for quality and brand consistency. Brian Drenth also coordinates with the board to optimize operational efficiency and drive sustainable revenue growth. Through rigorous analysis of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer identifies new opportunities for lifestyle product diversification. This leadership approach fosters a culture of excellence, ensuring that the organization meets the evolving demands of the retail sector while preserving the unique heritage that defines the company's market position.

    Martina Jensen - Owner & Chief Executive Officer

    Martina Jensen, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at Roots, governs the strategic direction and ownership interests of the organization. Jensen focuses on maintaining the brand's premium market status through careful curation of leather goods and apparel collections. As the Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Jensen oversees the alignment of business objectives with the company's commitment to outdoor-inspired lifestyle products. This role involves high-level decision-making regarding capital allocation and long-term brand equity. Martina Jensen also monitors the competitive landscape to ensure that the company retains its distinctive identity within the retail industry. By balancing creative vision with fiscal responsibility, the executive secures the company's future growth. Jensen drives initiatives that enhance customer engagement and loyalty, ensuring that the brand remains a leader in the Canadian retail market through consistent innovation and quality.
    Martina Jensen

    Chaz Perera - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Chaz Perera, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Roots, architects the foundational business models and strategic growth plans for the company. Perera focuses on scaling operations and refining the brand's market presence within the competitive apparel and accessories sector. As the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Perera leads cross-functional teams to ensure that product design reflects the company's outdoor-inspired heritage. This leadership role involves identifying emerging market opportunities and implementing strategies that enhance the company's reach. Chaz Perera also manages key stakeholder relationships to support the organization's long-term objectives. By prioritizing operational agility, the executive ensures that the company adapts to changing consumer preferences while maintaining its premium quality standards. Perera drives the development of new product categories, ensuring that the brand continues to resonate with its target audience through authentic and functional lifestyle offerings.
    Chaz Perera

    Vanessa Oly - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Vanessa Oly, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Roots, establishes the core mission and strategic framework that guide the company's growth. Oly oversees the development of the brand's identity, ensuring that every leather good and apparel item embodies the company's commitment to quality and Canadian culture. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Oly directs the executive team in executing long-term goals and maintaining the company's competitive edge in the retail market. This role involves fostering innovation in product design and ensuring that the brand's outdoor-inspired aesthetic remains relevant. Vanessa Oly also monitors the company's financial health and operational performance to ensure sustainable success. By championing the brand's values, the executive drives initiatives that strengthen customer relationships and expand the company's influence. Oly ensures that the organization remains focused on delivering premium products that meet the needs of modern consumers.

    Meghan Roach - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Meghan Roach, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Roots, manages the day-to-day operations and strategic execution of the company's business plan. Roach oversees the integration of retail, e-commerce, and wholesale channels to maximize market reach. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Roach ensures that the company's product portfolio, including leather bags and activewear, aligns with current consumer trends. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline supply chain processes and improve operational efficiency. Meghan Roach also drives the company's growth initiatives by identifying new market segments and enhancing the customer experience. By focusing on performance metrics and organizational health, the executive supports the company's long-term profitability. Roach maintains a clear focus on delivering high-quality products that reflect the brand's heritage, ensuring that the company remains a dominant force in the Canadian lifestyle retail sector.
    Meghan Roach

    Owen Martin - Acting Chief Executive Officer

    Owen Martin, the Acting Chief Executive Officer at Roots, provides interim leadership and ensures the continuity of strategic operations. Martin oversees the execution of current business initiatives while maintaining stability across all departments. As the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Martin manages the company's response to market shifts and ensures that the brand's commitment to quality remains a priority. This role involves facilitating communication between the executive team and the board to support ongoing projects. Owen Martin also monitors operational performance to ensure that the company meets its financial and growth targets. By focusing on immediate priorities and long-term stability, the executive maintains the brand's reputation for excellence. Martin drives the implementation of key strategies that support the company's market position, ensuring that the organization continues to deliver premium lifestyle products to its customers during this period of leadership transition.

    Clint Jarvis - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Clint Jarvis, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Roots, shapes the strategic vision and creative direction of the brand. Jarvis focuses on the development of unique product lines that blend outdoor culture with contemporary lifestyle needs. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Jarvis leads the organization in maintaining its reputation for premium leather goods and apparel. This role involves overseeing the brand's expansion and ensuring that the company's core values are reflected in every product. Clint Jarvis also manages the strategic partnerships that support the company's growth and market presence. By driving innovation in design and manufacturing, the executive ensures that the brand remains competitive in the retail industry. Jarvis fosters a culture of creativity and excellence, ensuring that the company continues to provide high-quality, functional products that resonate with consumers who value Canadian identity and outdoor-inspired design.
    Clint Jarvis

    Mike Beard - Chief Financial Officer

    Mike Beard, the Chief Financial Officer at Roots, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Beard manages capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure the company's long-term sustainability. As the Chief Financial Officer, Beard oversees the financial planning processes that support the company's retail expansion and product development initiatives. This role involves analyzing market data to provide insights that guide executive decision-making. Mike Beard also coordinates with the leadership team to optimize operational costs and improve profit margins across all product categories. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, the executive ensures that the company remains well-positioned to invest in growth opportunities. Beard drives the development of financial models that support the company's strategic goals, ensuring that the organization maintains a strong balance sheet while continuing to deliver premium lifestyle products to its global customer base.

    Leslie Golts - Chief Marketing Officer

    Leslie Golts, the Chief Marketing Officer at Roots, architects the brand's marketing strategy and customer engagement initiatives. Golts oversees the development of campaigns that highlight the company's premium leather goods and apparel, ensuring that the brand's Canadian identity remains central to its messaging. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Golts manages the digital and traditional marketing channels to drive brand awareness and customer loyalty. This role involves analyzing consumer behavior to tailor marketing efforts to specific market segments. Leslie Golts also collaborates with the product development team to ensure that marketing initiatives align with new product launches. By driving creative and data-driven marketing strategies, the executive enhances the company's market presence and supports revenue growth. Golts ensures that the brand's outdoor-inspired lifestyle message resonates with target audiences, maintaining the company's position as a leader in the retail industry.
    Leslie Golts

    John Cottongim - Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

    John Cottongim, the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer at Roots, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation of the company. Cottongim oversees the development of e-commerce platforms and internal systems that support the retail operations. As the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, Cottongim ensures that the company's digital presence is secure, scalable, and user-friendly. This role involves implementing innovative technologies that enhance the customer shopping experience and streamline supply chain management. John Cottongim also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate technology into the company's broader strategic goals. By driving the adoption of advanced digital tools, the executive improves operational efficiency and supports the company's growth in the competitive retail market. Cottongim ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of technological innovation, providing a seamless experience for customers who purchase premium leather goods and apparel online.
    John Cottongim

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Roots Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Roots?
    Roots is led by Brian Drenth (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Martina Jensen (Owner & Chief Executive Officer) and Chaz Perera (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Roots’s executive team?
    The executive team of Roots includes leaders such as Brian Drenth (Chief Executive Officer), Martina Jensen (Owner & Chief Executive Officer), Chaz Perera (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Roots have?
    Roots has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Roots’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Roots includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer.