Lowe Alpine Systems will reorganize its American operations and relocate its brand management, sales and marketing functions to New Hampshire, effective August 1, 2004. These operations will be combined with those of Asolo USA. The move came as the final step in the consolidation process resulting from Lowes acquisition by Italian footwear maker Asolo Spa. Fulfillment, customer service and accounting functions were combined last year.
Bruce Franks and his Lebanon, New Hampshire based team will manage US operations, working with the current Lowe Alpine sales force.
Geoff OKeeffe and Gareth Richards will leave the group July 31st and will assist with the reorganization in the interim. The two offices have been collaborating on the consolidation and expect the transition to follow seamlessly and on time.
Franks commented, “We are very pleased with the progress of the transition, and we appreciate the energy, help and solid support provided us by Geoff and Gareth. We extend out thanks to them both.”
OKeeffe said, “Gareth and I, along with the larger Colorado team, embraced the not-insignificant task of revitalizing and revamping the Lowe Alpine brand and its operations these past few years. In retrospect we have come a long way and we look back satisfied we achieved our original goals. We both look forward to new challenges.”
Lowe Alpine and Asolo USA plan to combine their trade show efforts beginning with this Augusts Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, with both brands exhibiting within a newly designed booth.
Beginning August 1st, all sales and marketing communications should be directed to the Asolo/Lowe Alpine US headquarters in Lebanon, New Hampshire,
