Hydro Flask, a Helen of Troy Limited brand, announced three new hires to its leadership team. Jay Wilkins joins Hydro Flask as VP of product development, and David Brown as North American sales director across all categories. Expanding Hydro Flask’s presence in the European market, Kit Ha will serve as director of marketing, EMEA for Helen of Troy’s Housewares division, which includes the Hydro Flask and OXO brands.
“Jay, David and Kit each bring an extensive foundation of strategic leadership experience to the Hydro Flask brand and our division,” said Larry Witt, President of Housewares at Helen of Troy. “We are thrilled to welcome them to the team and believe their talents will be integral in driving Hydro Flask’s continued growth as a global lifestyle outdoor brand.”
Wilkins will direct his team in evolving global multi-category product roadmaps further solidifying category positions and develop strategies to extend Hydro Flask into new outdoor categories. He brings a depth of experience in strategic business development that includes nearly a decade at Nike where he served as Global GM of Nike iD and Category Footwear Leader for Men’s Training, among other roles. Prior to joining Hydro Flask, Wilkins was named senior vice president of national accounts for Coffee Bean International before consulting on behalf of a number of global lifestyle brands including Hydro Flask’s customization line. Wilkins founded and sold an e-commerce business early in his career and also served as an Aviation Officer in the U.S. Army. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.
David Brown’s career spans senior sales leadership roles across Nike’s athletic specialty, emerging markets and running divisions, finally serving as vice president of global merchandising for Brand Jordan. After his departure from Nike in 2015, Brown consulted for brands in footwear and outdoor apparel. As North American Sales Director, Brown will lead a cross-functional team to drive and manage strategies for continued growth across Hydro Flask’s sport and outdoor, food and beverage, military, collegiate, and other channels.
Kit Ha brings to her position global experience in media, sports and retail brand marketing including roles with Adidas and Reebok. Most recently, Ha served as head of marketing for Swiss sports apparel brand OLDO following a twenty-year career in Hong Kong. As Director of Marketing, EMEA, Ha will oversee integrated marketing planning and execution within the region for the Hydro Flask and OXO brands that comprise Helen of Troy’s Housewares Division. Ha will be based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“Kit brings a solid marketing background in the sport and outdoor industry,” said David Ledouble, managing director, EMEA. “Thanks to her expertise, we will be able to better deploy our marketing strategies across the region and establish Hydro Flask as the leading brand in hydration in the hearts and minds of EMEA consumers.”
