Head on Wednesday announced the launch of Head Winter Sportswear in North America and the promotion of Julia Couperthwait to business manager – Sportswear North America. The announcement was made today by Kevin Kempin, head North American CEO/president.
Couperthwait will oversee all aspects of the Winter Sportswear business in North America. A lifelong skier and 10th Mountain Division descendant, Julia has been an integral member of a dedicated team that has built the Head/Tyrolia brand to record heights in the U.S. In 2018, sales and market share for the Winter Sports Division doubled from 2012 levels. Couperthwait has extensive experience in both the outdoor and fashion industries with expertise specifically in brand marketing and merchandising and design.
In line with its other successful divisions, Head Winter Sportswear is focused on specialty distribution and bringing to market premium, innovative performance ski outerwear, midlayer pieces, and accessories. The 2019/20 collection makes its debut with a sleek, youthful vibe featuring expertly-tailored cuts, superior materials, coordinating colorways, and smart functional details. New concepts showcase high-end quality within an affordable price range.
“I am thrilled to accept this role,” Couperthwait said. “Head is an authentic global brand with an extremely talented, passionate team at the helm. Since 1950, our company has built itself on quality, performance, and product innovation, and our new Winter Sportswear collection is no exception. I look forward to growing this new segment of our company throughout North America with our valued specialty retail partners.” In accepting her new position, Julia will continue to manage marketing communications for Head Winter Sports Hardgoods as Communications Manager, creating synergies between the two divisions.
Couperthwait will work closely with Roman Stepak, vice president of Head Sportswear Global, based in the company’s Austrian headquarters.
“We are thrilled to have Julia join our dynamic and energetic team,” said Stepek. “Her deep passion and vast experience in the industry will support the successful launch of Head Winter Sportswear in North America. Over the past two years, our team has been working to develop a high-end product within an affordable price range. Our innovative design concept is exceptional. We look forward to working with Julia to position Head Sportswear as a front-runner in the Winter Sports market.”
Head North American CEO/President, Kevin Kempin comments: “Julia’s passion for the Winter Sports industry, coupled with her experience and unique skillsets makes her perfect for this role. She has excelled in every area she has managed to date, and I know this will be the same – Head Winter Sportswear is in great hands!”
In 2016, Couperthwait (née Blumenfeld), was named one of Snowsports Industries America’s “Women to Watch: Industry Leaders Working to Better the Snow Sports Community,” and is a proud alumni of the Camber Outdoors Professional Mentoring Program. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, she will continue to be based out of Head/Tyrolia’s U.S. Winter Sports headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, and currently resides in Longmont with her husband, Andrew, and their young son Wyatt.
