Established Brands, the official outdoor gear and footwear licensee for Wenger, the maker of the genuine Swiss Army Knife, hired outdoor industry veteran Kenny Ballard as the new general manager of the company's outdoor gear business.
With more than 25 years of experience managing some of the most recognizable brands in the Outdoor industry, Ballard will oversee business and product development for the Wenger and Swiss Gear family of camping and outdoor products. Ballard brings a proven track record in product development, marketing and sales, and overall general management.
“We are very pleased to have someone with Kenny's credentials and track record of success join our Established Brands team,” said Robbie Soskin, CEO, Established Brands.
Prior to joining Established Brands, Ballard served as president of BOSG where he was instrumental in the development of the company's product lines under the Kelty, Slumberjack, Sierra Designs, Ultimate Direction and Wenger license. Prior to BOSG, Ballard has worked with a number of specialty brands and product lines in sales, marketing and product management functions.
“What attracted me to Established Brands was its vision for where it wanted to take the outdoor business through a combination of technology and innovation and focus on the customer needs,” Ballard said. “Wenger is a historic and iconic brand that has the opportunity and means to deliver customers fresh and pioneering lines of product. Wenger's unique combination of innovation, quality, versatility and functionality serves as a great foundation for developing and integrating multiple categories of outdoor gear that compliment their renowned Swiss Army Knives and Watches.”
Having held multiple senior-level executive managerial positions for outdoor companies, Ballard also founded his own consulting firm where he provided strategic Business, Sales and Marketing direction to the Outdoor, Lifestyle Military and Tactical markets. Throughout his career Ballard's track record has, and continues to, reflect his ability to spur strategic growth and develop a brand's reputation in the industry.
