Helly Hansen is reorganizing its North American operations looking to centralize its executive, marketing, retail, product management and customer service operations. As part of the transition, Gary Davis was named general manager of Helly Hansen North America. Davis, who previously served as General Manager for Helly Hansens Canadian business based in Delta, B.C., a suburb of Vancouver, steps into the position held by Ric Long since 2000. The move is part of a global corporate re-organization driven by Altor, the Stockholm-based private equity firm that acquired Helly Hansens assets in 2006.
“Weve taken the best attributes of both the U.S. and Canadian offices and combined them into a focused organization that will improve communication lines and simplify processes for everyone who works with our organization,” Davis said. “Helly Hansens brand presence is stronger than ever. The new structure will further solidify our position as one of North Americas most technically advanced and sought after brands for all outdoor activities.”
Davis came to Helly Hansen in 2001 after serving 18 years as an executive with Nike Canada. Under his leadership Helly Hansen Canada grew into the market leader in base layer product, expanded both Wintersports and Watersports distribution and successfully launched footwear.
Davis will assume Ric Longs responsibilities immediately. Long, who previously served in executive positions with Nike, adidas and Reebok over the past 25 years, has opted to pursue other career interests. He will stay on with Helly Hansen as a consultant to assist with the transition through June 2007.
“Helly Hansen has gained massive credibility and grown in the right channels under Rics direction,” Davis said. “We appreciate his leadership and experience and will continue in the positive direction that he took the company.”
Davis will manage the North American business from the Delta office. Key marketing, sales and finance positions in the Helly Hansen U.S. office in Bellevue, Wash. will transition in May into the U.S. distribution facility in Auburn, Wash., near Seattle. Under the new structure Christine Westermark, product manager; Janeil Mackay, retail operations manager; Marshall Rutman, marketing manager; Brian Leslie, sales operations manager; Scott Shively, logistics manager and Scott Sutherland, finance; will oversee their departments for both countries. On the sales side, Rob Brydges will continue his position as sales manager for Canada and Russ Rowan will maintain his responsibilities as vice president for U.S. sales.
