Kokatat has appointed long-time brand sales rep Ted Keyes as head of sales and marketing while also launching a new sales structure for the brand in Canada.
Keyes is no stranger to the Kokatat brand; he has served as a sales rep for the brand in the western U.S. for more than 20 years. He has also worked as a rep for other strong brands over his career, including Legacy Paddlesports, LiquidLogic Kayaks, and Shimano America.
“Kokatat makes some of the best paddlesports products in the world, but what has always made the company truly special to me is the people behind those products,” said Keyes. “After working alongside many of them for all these years, they feel like family, and I’m genuinely excited to join them in Arcata.”
Keyes will reportedly lead Kokatat’s sales and marketing strategy, dealer development and go-to-market initiatives for the paddlesports and outdoor markets. He brings more than 32 years of outdoor industry sales experience. His career as a manufacturer’s sales rep has been rooted in paddlesports, with additional experience in the mountain bike and outdoor markets representing brands including Adidas, Five Ten.
“As I thought about who could join Kokatat and help take the business to the next level, someone who understands the brand, knows the paddlesports industry and shares our passion for what Kokatat represents, one name kept coming up – Ted Keyes,” said Mark Branagh, president, Kokatat. “Ted knows our dealers, our industry and this brand exceptionally well. I’m thrilled to have him join the team and bring that experience to Kokatat in a new way.”
As part of the new structure, Nathan Rayment, Canadian sales director for Mustang Survival, will assume responsibility for Kokatat Canada, providing coordinated sales leadership for the two brands.
The first phase of the alignment will extend Kokatat representation through two agencies currently representing Mustang Survival in Eastern Canada: Tuftscove Marketing in the Canadian Maritimes and Groupe Ostiguy in Ontario and Quebec. The second phase will address Western Canada.
“Bringing Kokotat into our Canadian sales organization is a natural fit and a great opportunity to strengthen both brands,” said Rayment. “Our sales representatives have strong relationships with retailers across Canada and a deep understanding of the market. Adding Kokatat to their portfolios allows us to better support our dealers, create new opportunities for growth, and build stronger connections across two highly complementary brands.”
Images courtesy Kokotat
