Mountainsmith has appointed Gareth Richards as the new vice president of sales, effective April 15, 2005. Richards takes over for Peter Novak who is leaving the company to take advantage of a new opportunity to further advance his career. Gareth will have overall responsibility for domestic sales including the development of sales strategies and programs as well as dealer relations. He will also be an integral part of the company’s design and marketing teams.

“Mountainsmith has seen unprecedented growth in the last year and Peter has been a major force behind this success,” stated Geoff O’Keeffe, president of Mountainsmith. “We’re very proud that this has given him the recognition he deserves and will help him develop his career. We wish him nothing but the best. At the same time, we couldn’t be happier to find somebody with Gareth’s experience and capabilities to help keep the momentum going.”

Gareth’s experience combines sales, marketing, academics, and sports in the outdoor industry. He was most recently founder and owner of OutdoorProlink.com, an on-line pro purchasing program. Previously Richards held the position of Vice President of Marketing for Lowe Alpine, USA with responsibility for the development and overall implementation of marketing strategies. He also had an integral role in buying group and major account sales and was a key member of the pack and apparel design team. Teaching outdoor education at Prescott College in Arizona, running a sea kayak company in the Sea of Cortez, co-organizing and participating in The First Disabled Ascent of Mt. Everest, and managing an outdoor education programs at Cornell are also part of his impressive resume.

Richards will be an authentic product tester as an avid climber, skier, biker, hiker, runner, and adventure racer.
“I couldn’t ask for a better position that gives me an opportunity to sell products I use everyday and help develop new and exciting products that will enhance the outdoor experience,” commented Gareth. “And I get to be a part of a well-established team and a brand that is on fire. It doesn’t get better.”