Azusa Pacific University named Steve Harden the first executive-in-residence of the School of Business and Management (SBM), effective January 1, 2025. Harden brings more than 35 years of corporate executive experience to the role with expertise in brand development, marketing, and entrepreneurship, including serving as CEO/President of K-Swiss and other global sports apparel companies.
“After an incredibly successful career in the corporate world, Steve is looking to give back by equipping the next generation of business leaders in APU’s School of Business and Management,” said Wendi Dykes McGehee, PhD, CF-LSP, interim dean of the SBM. “Steve’s insights on how to succeed in the business world will be invaluable for our students, as he guides them through understanding the product lifecycle and launching a business including everything from ideation through getting a product to market. His real world experience and industry connections will help students land top internships and jobs as they prepare to begin their careers.”
As executive in residence, Harden will conduct workshops, seminars, lectures, and lead projects with students; serve as a mentor to students in one-on-one and group settings to guide them through the nuances of product development, launch, and growth; serve as an advisor to Zuventurez—APU’s “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition for new business ideas; and act as an ambassador for the SBM in industry settings and on the advisory board. Harden will also co-teach an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Practicum class with Mark Wm Cawman, DBA, chair of the Department of Business and Entrepreneurship.
I’m thrilled for the opportunity to give back and inspire students to create their own businesses,” Harden said. “As someone who has run multi-billion dollar brands on a global scale, I hope to pour my knowledge and experience into these students. I want to help them unlock their potential and think bigger so they’re prepared to become successful entrepreneurs after graduation.
Harden runs his own consulting firm, Harden Strategic Solutions, which helps new businesses launch successfully and established global brands grow their sales with synergy and increased profitability. Previously, Harden served as an executive at several sports apparel companies. In addition to K-Swiss, he served as the Global Brand CEO/President of Axion Footwear from 2020-2024, Senior Vice President of Wholesale Marketing and Operations (2013-16) and Senior Director of National Accounts (2011-13) for Oakley, GM/Brand Manager of VF Corporation (the parent brand of major companies including Vans, The North Face, Dickies, Timberland, and Jansport) from 2009-2011, and Vice President and Senior Director of Sales for Adidas from 2004-2009. Harden has also served on the boards of the SBM, Progresando, and Authentically American. He is a Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach and a DISC Consultant. A renowned Christian business leader, Harden looks forward to integrating his faith in his new role.
“I believe in the power of Scripture, especially Luke 1:37, ‘For with God, nothing shall be impossible.’ It’s important that our students embrace that mentality,” Harden said. “I’ve always strived to be different as a Christian in the workplace. My daughter is an alumna of APU and seeing her experience, I know the importance of APU’s Christian education.”
The executive in residence role is funded by a generous donor, who wants the position to inspire APU students to understand the full product life cycle including all the challenges involved in a real-world go to market strategy.