Cascade Designs of Seattle has appointed Erik Flink brand director for Therm-a-Rest and Karl Fritzsche as brand director for Platypus, SealLine and PackTowl.
Erik Flink
Flink has worked within Cascade Designs Inc. for over 17 years and will shift from brand director with the Platypus Hydration division to Therm-a-Rest’s brand director this month. In Flink’s new role, he will take lead in the strategic planning for all of Therm-a-Rest’s categories in the outdoor market, as well as lead a team of category managers in creating new and innovative product for the company.
“Erik’s years of experience within the outdoor industry as a brand manager and director positions him perfectly for taking on this new role,” said Doug Jacot, vice president of Therm-a-Rest. “We look forward to his creative mind thriving and pushing forward a company that has created long-lasting and innovative products for over 40 years.”
Since 1998, Flink has worn the hat of product manager for snowshoes, winter tools, cookware and filtration at MSR, as well as brand director for SealLine and Platypus. He will take on all divisions of Therm-a-Rest, including mattresses, sleep systems, tents, camp furniture, hammocks, pillows and accessories.
Karl Fritzche
Karl Fritzsche joins Cascade with over 19 years of experience leading product development, marketing and business management efforts for a multitude of brands, serving most recently as project engineer for Yeti Coolers in Austin. Prior to that, Fitzsche worked in product development and marketing positions with Easton-Bell Sports, Confluence Paddlesports, Watermark and Marmot.
As brand director for Platypus, SealLine and PackTowl he will be responsible for creating the vision for each business unit from product direction to retail presence. His extensive experience with product development, domestic and offshore manufacturing and dealer relations put him in a unique position to help expand and grow the global brands.
“The SealLine, Platypus and PackTowl brands have a long history of product innovation and quality,” Jacot said. “Karl has deep experience that can help us further those brands through innovative product and marketing development. His expertise will be instrumental in rolling out new products and retail programs in the coming years.”
