David Lafitte (Courtesy photo)

Deckers Brands, the Goleta-based footwear company, announced today that David Lafitte is taking over the chief operating officer position.

Lafitte previously served as the company’s general counsel. His appointment is effective Feb. 2 and he replaces Zohar Ziv, who retired from the company on Jan. 16.

Angel Martinez, Deckers’ president and CEO, said Lafitte has helped the company grow into a complex globally distributed portfolio of brands, with an even more complex infrastructure. “David has been a key member of our management team during a period of significant expansion,” Martinez said in a news release. “He is a natural leader and team player and has demonstrated an ability to navigate the many facets of our fast-growing and evolving business.”

Lafitte has served as general counsel of Deckers since January 2012 and also was a shareholder in the law firm Stradling, Yocca, Carlson & Rauth, where he was a member of the board of directors and executive committee. He specialized in corporate and securities law with an emphasis on public and private mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financing, securities offerings and technology licensing. He holds a law degree from Tulane University and a bachelor’s degree from University of Colorado.

“I’m looking forward to expanding my role with our seasoned management team at this exciting time in the company’s history,” Lafitte said in the release. “Deckers is developing a compelling consumer-centric global business model that is supported by a diverse portfolio of brands, a culture of innovation and a commitment to fostering engaging, convenient and seamless shopping experiences for consumers. I am excited to contribute to further building on a first-class infrastructure and supporting our strategic expansion.”