Petzl America, the headlamp and vertical equipment manufacturer, said that after more than two decades with Petzl, Roody Rasmussen has decided to step down from the role of president, which he has held for the past 12 years. Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, Nazz Kurth will take over as president.
Kurth is currently the Petzl America sales director and his succession has been in the works for some time.
“We were fortunate to have such a strong candidate already working within Petzl America,” says Rasmussen. “It means we have the luxury of time to organize a smooth and graceful transition. Ive worked closely with Nazz over the past five years and have the utmost confidence he will continue to run a great company.”
Rasmussen will continue working with Petzl America on a part-time basis, managing special projects as senior vice president. He will also retain his seat on the board of the Petzl Foundation, Petzls non-profit arm dedicated to giving back to the communities that have made the company so successful.
Rasmussen began working with Petzl as a North American sales representative in 1988 and was instrumental in building the Petzl brand and developing the territories in the western U.S. and Canada. His role as president of Petzl America began in 1999, when the North American distribution center moved to Clearfield, UT. Under Rasmussens watch, Petzl America developed a high-performance sales and distribution organization, expanded its outside sales force from 8 to 40-plus independent reps, and quadrupled annual gross sales.
“It has been my great pleasure to lead such a talented and passionate team,” says Rasmussen. “And also to work with the international Petzl Group to provide our Canadian and American customers with the highest level of service and unique and innovative products from Petzl.”
As he transitions into the role of President, Nazz Kurth will draw from a deep well of experience. He joined Petzl America as Headlamp Division Manager in 2006. Thanks to his work ethic, dedication to the Petzl brand, and understanding of the Sport and Professional sides of Petzls business, Kurth soon moved into the role of Sales Director. During his tenure, Petzl America has broken multiple sales records, despite the global recession.
“The successes Ive overseen as Sales Director at Petzl have been a direct result of the amazing team I work with,” says Kurth. “Every department is stocked with invaluable players willing to go the extra mile time and time again. Im honored by the opportunity to head up this fantastic group.”
In addition to his track record at Petzl, Kurth brings to his new position years of work experience in sales and business development, brand positioning and marketing, and market analysis. He is also an avid climber and outdoorsman, and worked for several years as a climbing guide and wilderness program director in locations across the Americas.
Kurth and Rasmussen will continue in their current roles through 2011.
Rasmussen will continue working with Petzl America on a part-time basis, managing special projects as senior vice president. He will also retain his seat on the board of the Petzl Foundation, Petzls non-profit arm dedicated to giving back to the communities that have made the company so successful.
Rasmussen began working with Petzl as a North American sales representative in 1988 and was instrumental in building the Petzl brand and developing the territories in the western U.S. and Canada. His role as president of Petzl America began in 1999, when the North American distribution center moved to Clearfield, UT. Under Rasmussens watch, Petzl America developed a high-performance sales and distribution organization, expanded its outside sales force from 8 to 40-plus independent reps, and quadrupled annual gross sales.
“It has been my great pleasure to lead such a talented and passionate team,” says Rasmussen. “And also to work with the international Petzl Group to provide our Canadian and American customers with the highest level of service and unique and innovative products from Petzl.”
As he transitions into the role of President, Nazz Kurth will draw from a deep well of experience. He joined Petzl America as Headlamp Division Manager in 2006. Thanks to his work ethic, dedication to the Petzl brand, and understanding of the Sport and Professional sides of Petzls business, Kurth soon moved into the role of Sales Director. During his tenure, Petzl America has broken multiple sales records, despite the global recession.
“The successes Ive overseen as Sales Director at Petzl have been a direct result of the amazing team I work with,” says Kurth. “Every department is stocked with invaluable players willing to go the extra mile time and time again. Im honored by the opportunity to head up this fantastic group.”
In addition to his track record at Petzl, Kurth brings to his new position years of work experience in sales and business development, brand positioning and marketing, and market analysis. He is also an avid climber and outdoorsman, and worked for several years as a climbing guide and wilderness program director in locations across the Americas.
Kurth and Rasmussen will continue in their current roles through 2011.
