Black Diamond Equipment announced key promotions to its senior leadership team in its sales and operations divisions. Industry veteran Brian Block was appointed vice-president of sales, North America, while eleven-year Black Diamond veteran, Fabian Garza, was named vice-president of operations.

“Brian’s 29 years of industry experience, penchant for building relationships and passion for climbing and the sports that BD serves, are obvious merits for this role. He’s always moving and therefore the perfect person to lead sales for Black Diamond North America,” stated John Walbrecht, president, Black Diamond Equipment. “Fabian has been instrumental in solidifying a strong and dynamic supply chain, improved demand planning processes and systems across our entire organization. Most notable is the way he, along with the rest of our supply chain, sourcing, logistics, manufacturing, and warehouse teams, has led us through the unprecedented challenges associated with COVID-19.”

After working at Petzl as its sports division manager from 2015/17, Block joined BD in 2017 where, most recently, he has worked as director of national accounts for North America, including managing relationships with REI and MEC. In his new position, Block will support Black Diamond’s overall business with an emphasis on improved sales and distribution to better service its existing customer base.

With over six years of experience across planning, manufacturing, quality, maintenance, warehousing, and logistics, Garza joined Black Diamond in 2010 after having worked at Gregory Mountain Products since 2004. Garza started as a procurement manager and moved into the position of director of global supply chain and demand planning. With his new responsibilities, Garza will oversee the sourcing, planning, execution, and distribution of global inventory for Black Diamond Equipment, Black Diamond Europe and Pieps Austria.

“Great teams build great brands,” added Walbrecht. “We are excited to have both Brian and Fabian join Black Diamond’s senior leadership team.”

Photo courtesy Black Diamond Equipment