KURT WALTER
Brand Architect | Product Systems | Creative Direction
I build brands as complete product systems—designed, developed, and brought to market under a single creative direction.
INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
Learning the structure and refining my craft | 1996-2002
Early roles with Reebok and Fila exposed me to the structure and operations of the footwear industry. At Thor Motocross I served as Senior Product Designer, establishing the product development framework for the brand’s gear line. I later became Design Director for Arctiva Powersports, leading line planning and creative direction. Those experiences, combined with my passion for sportbikes, led to the creation of ICON.
BUILDING ICON
Pursuing powersports dreams | 2002-2024
Alongside the creative direction, I built and led the ICON studio that powered the brand. I recruited and managed a multidisciplinary team spanning design, development, marketing, sales, and operations while continuing to lead product creation. Over more than two decades the studio developed apparel, equipment, brand media, and custom motorcycles that helped define ICON’s visual identity.
FOUNDING VIKTOS
Transitioning into Tactical | 2016-Present
After twenty-five years building ICON and its sub-brands, I stepped away to pursue my next venture: VIKTOS. Drawing on decades of industry relationships, I assembled a lean creative structure of trusted collaborators while maintaining direct authorship of the brand’s product architecture, design direction, and visual identity. From line planning and development to sourcing and brand storytelling, the company operates under a single creative direction.
For a detailed breakdown of roles, brands, and timelines