Kathmandu Holdings Ltd. on Thursday announced the appointment of Amy Beck to the position of president, Obōz/Kathmandu North America, based at the company’s North American headquarters in Bozeman, MT.
Obōz Footwear’s founder, president and CEO, John Connelly, sold the company to New Zealand based Kathmandu Holdings last year. He has supported Kathmandu in its search to appoint the right person to take over executive leadership of the outdoor footwear company as part of his plan to step back.
Beck has extensive experience in the outdoor and fashion industries with a wide range of skills including retail, brand marketing, distribution strategy and sales management. More recently, Beck held executive roles at Smartwool and Lucy Activewear, both part of VF Corp.
Connelly commented: “I am delighted to welcome Amy Beck to Obōz. Amy has successfully demonstrated throughout her career her ability to grow businesses and build up authentic brands in the North American outdoor specialty channel. I look forward to seeing Amy bring Obōz and Kathmandu to their next stage of growth in North America.”
Kathmandu CEO Xavier Simonet said, “This is a key appointment for Kathmandu and Obōz and I am delighted that Amy will be joining the team.”
Simonet added, “John Connelly is an iconic figure in the North American outdoor industry. Although John is going to step back from his current role as President and CEO of Obōz, he will continue contributing to the development of the business as brand ambassador for Kathmandu and Obōz.”
Beck, who will formally commence her new role as president, Obōz/Kathmandu North America, on April 1, said, “I am very excited to join the Obōz and Kathmandu North America team. Both brands are authentic and true to their roots and heritage. I see an enormous potential for Obōz and Kathmandu in North America by continuing to develop long term partnerships within the specialty outdoor distribution and by bringing to market creative and innovative products.”
