Spyders EVP of Global Sales, Cees de Witte, has accepted the position of President Spyder-Europe in addition to his EVP role. He will relocate to Switzerland to lead the Spyder global sales force and subsidiary brand Cloudveils sales outside of North America. The move is effective April, 2009.
Prior to 2007, de Witte oversaw the brands European, Asian, and Pacific Rim sales and operations from the Baar, Switzerland office, and moved to Spyders Boulder, Colorado headquarters that year to head the worldwide sales efforts. The new role geographically positions de Witte in a strategic location to focus on current and future opportunities for international growth. Almost half of Spyders business takes place outside of North America.
“It was necessary to fill the position of president of Spyder Europe with someone who has a history of success in international sales and management,” said Spyder CEO and president Jake Jacobs. “Cees was the driving force of our international business from 2002 to 2007, when he was running our office in Baar. Hes the natural and best choice to go back and assume the roll of President of Spyder-Europe,” he said.
Jacobs commented on the economy as driving the timing of de Wittes promotion. “We are living in uncertain times amid a global economic slowdown,” he said. “Its in times like these that the markets turn to the leaders. Spyder is the global leader in skiwear, and we see opportunity to come out of these hard times stronger than ever. To do so we need to refocus on the core of our business. Having a strong leader in that location is key.”
De Witte will continue to direct and support North Americas sales force. The company set up its management structure to be successful and focus on the core business strategy. “The North American team is experienced, talented, and is driving the business forward,” de Witte said. “We have full confidence our team will continue to manage US and Canadian sales successfully while I am based in Europe.”
