Icebreaker, the New Zealand merino wool specialist, hired Barry Schrimsher as vice president of USA sales effective immediately. A native of Portland and a graduate of the University of Oregon, Schrimsher is a 24-year outdoor industry entrepreneur. He established the first in-house sales organization for Columbia Sportswear, Inc., and led the opening of its new office and showroom in Kent, WA for all Columbia brands (Columbia, Sorel, Mountain Hardwear, Montrail and Pacific Trail).
“We are very pleased to welcome Barry to the Icebreaker flock,” said Russ Hopcus, president of Icebreaker US operations. “He built a very successful sales agency in the Pacific Northwest representing companies such as Mountain Hardwear, Osprey and Lowa. Most recently, as founder of The Sherpa Group, Barry worked with several outdoor companies in the areas of brand management, channel distribution and product. His experience and passion will serve Icebreaker well as we continue to expand our footprint in the outdoor specialty channel.
“Icebreaker is one of the true leaders in the outdoor industry, and Im looking forward to helping grow this great brand and company,” said Schrimsher. “More people each day are discovering the joy of natural and sustainable Icebreaker merino for hiking, skiing, running and cycling.”
Schrimsher served in the positions of US sales and national accounts manager for Crocs Footwear, Inc. from 2005-2007, where he created and implemented national and key account sales strategies which netted strong double digit growth.
