Columbia Sportswear International, AG, has changed its UK and Ireland management team. Effective the end of June, Paul Hayes will assume the position of Regional Manager for the UK and Ireland, where he will assume responsibility for the management of all sales efforts in these markets. Hayes will replace Keith Paxton who has left the company for personal reasons.

Hayes, 33, brings a wealth of experience to the position, having spent over ten years in a variety of sales and management roles in the UK outdoor industry. He returns to Columbia after an 18 month period with Aigle UK, where he served as Country Manager. Prior to assuming the senior role at Aigle UK, Hayes spent over four years as National Accounts Manager for Columbia Sportswear in the UK market. He has also held sales management positions with Berghaus.

“We’re delighted to welcome Paul back to Columbia at such an exciting time in the Company’s European development,” said Andre-Pierre Bonamy, European Sales Director. “We have a great team in place and we’re looking forward to Paul’s stewardship in helping the brand achieve a leading status in the UK outdoor market.”