CalExotics has announced the appointment of Lupe Martinez as its new executive director of marketing and Austin Ferdinand as vice president of business development. These appointments were made public on July 8, 2026, from Ontario, California.

Executive Appointments at CalExotics

Lupe Martinez has been named executive director of marketing at CalExotics. Martinez has been a member of the CalExotics team for 24 years. During her tenure, she has worked in sales, retail marketing, and business development. In her new role, Martinez will be responsible for leading the company's marketing strategy, brand development, product launches, public relations, creative services, trade show initiatives, and digital marketing efforts. Martinez stated her excitement to begin this new chapter and to integrate her customer experience into the marketing strategy. She also expressed her anticipation for creating programs designed to strengthen partnerships and support customer success.

Austin Ferdinand has been appointed as vice president of business development. Ferdinand has been with CalExotics for 20 years. A company representative noted that Ferdinand has played a key role in expanding customer relationships and driving business growth. In his new position, Ferdinand will lead the company's global business development and sales strategy. His focus will include strengthening partnerships and identifying new opportunities for growth. Ferdinand commented that customers have consistently been central to the company's operations. He also stated his honor in taking on this new role and his intention to build upon established relationships while contributing to CalExotics' next phase of growth.

Leadership Commentary and Company Background

Susan Colvin, CalExotics founder and CEO, commented on the appointments. Colvin highlighted that both Martinez and Ferdinand have dedicated over two decades to CalExotics, and their leadership has been instrumental in the company's success. She further stated that these promotions acknowledge their contributions and position CalExotics to better serve customers and continue business growth. Colvin expressed excitement for the future.

CalExotics employs 21 individuals. The CalExotics management team includes Lupe Martinez, Rafeek Hamed, and Khai Trieu. Lupe Martinez is listed as Executive Director Sales and Retail Marketing at CalExotics, based in Pasadena, CA, US. Rafeek Hamed is an Accounts Payable Specialist at CalExotics, located in Ontario, CA, US. Khai Trieu is listed as an Employee at CalExotics, based in Monterey Park, CA, US. Geno Ulat is a Video Editor at CalExotics, located in Tustin, CA, US. Martinez was previously identified as an International Business Development Executive for CalExotics in an August 2, 2016, publication.

Key Facts

  • CalExotics appointed Lupe Martinez as executive director of marketing on July 8, 2026.
  • CalExotics appointed Austin Ferdinand as vice president of business development on July 8, 2026.
  • Lupe Martinez has been with CalExotics for 24 years, working in sales, retail marketing, and business development.
  • Austin Ferdinand has been with CalExotics for 20 years, contributing to customer relationships and business growth.
  • Susan Colvin is the founder and CEO of CalExotics.
  • CalExotics employs 21 individuals.