Atomic, which sits within the Outdoor Winter Equipment portfolio at Amer Sports, has set a new leadership structure for North America, effective May 18, that is “designed to support the brand’s continued growth and strengthen its connection with skiers, retailers, reps and key accounts across the region.”
As part of the new structure, Sean Kennedy, pictured right, has been promoted to general manager, North America. He has worked with the Atomic brand for over 12 years, most recently as the marketing director for North America.
Kennedy will now lead Atomic’s North American organization through its next phase of growth, reporting to Christian Haitzmann, VP of commercial, reflecting the closer alignment of regional omni-channel execution within Atomic’s global commercial organization.
“Atomic has built incredible momentum in North America by staying close to the people who shape the sport — our retailers, athletes, reps, partners and the skiing community itself,” commented Kennedy. “After more than a decade with the brand, I’m excited to help lead this next phase of growth by strengthening those relationships even further and ensuring we continue delivering the innovation, service and authenticity that skiers across North America expect from Atomic.”
Jake Strassburger will assume the role of director, commercial and product, North America, a dedicated position focused on strengthening the connection between North American product requirements and Atomic’s global headquarters.
Kate Stephanson has recently stepped into the role of director of operations, North America. Stephanson brings 25 years of Amer Sports experience across a range of roles and will provide operational leadership as Atomic continues to strengthen execution and service across the region.
Atomic is also investing in dedicated sales and marketing leadership for the U.S. and Canada. These two director-level roles reflect a clear commitment to stronger local execution, closer relationships with retailers, and tighter alignment between global and local teams.
Canadian Market Director Blair Blackie is moving to Austria to take on the role of director, Omni-channel sales and marketing, EMEA.
“North America is a critical market for Atomic and a key part of our long-term growth ambition,” said Atomic President Wolfgang Mayrhofer. “This new leadership structure gives us greater focus, clearer accountability and stronger connection to the needs of skiers, retailers and partners across the region. Sean is a highly respected leader with deep knowledge of Atomic, the industry, and the North American market. Together with Jake, Kate and the new sales and marketing directors for the U.S. and Canada, we are investing in the next phase of Atomic’s success in North America.
Image courtesy Atomic/Amer Sports
