Helly Hansen has named Peter Sjölander chief executive officer for the 130-year-old performance apparel and footwear manufacturer. As CEO, Sjölander will oversee global business operations for Helly Hansens Pro Division covering workwear and survival products, and recreational apparel and footwear in the Sport Division. The announcement is part of a global corporate re-organization driven by Altor, the Stockholm-based private equity firm that acquired Helly Hansens assets in 2006.
Sjölander, 47, previously served as Senior Vice President Product & Brand at Electrolux, the worlds second largest manufacturer of domestic appliances. Prior to Electrolux, he spent 15 years with Nikes European operations in the Netherlands and global organization based in Oregon. During his tenure with Nike, Sjölander headed up the brands European footwear business, Global Outdoor division (ACG), Nikes Northern European and CEMEA regions. Hell begin his new role at Helly Hansen September 1.
In addition to the CEO announcement, Helly Hansen has named Knut Are Høgberg, 34, as the companys new chief financial officer. Høgberg previously worked for 11 years with Boston Consulting Group, one of the worlds leading management consulting companies, where he specialized in operational turnarounds and strategic development for consumer goods and retail clients.
Høgberg has served a range of Nordic and international clients, assisting in their development of retail and shop-in-shop concepts, pricing strategies, product development, brand definition, sales force effectiveness and organizational redesign. He joined Helly Hansen on August 6.
