Following the acquisition of Blizzard Skis last year and the integration of its brands under one roof in a new state-of-the art Group Design Center in Giavera, Italy-The Tecnica Group is moving forward with the second step of its three year strategic development program to strengthen its leadership in the outdoor market. This program will build upon the Tecnica Group’s leadership in Winter Sports Equipment.
 
The Tecnica Group (currently a European leader in outdoor footwear with its Lowa, Tecnica and Dolomite brands) is expanding its presence and brands in the four season outdoor business. Increasing its footwear position in the US market is one of the primary goals of this program.
 
Jean-Luc Diard has been appointed to lead this new strategic effort, and will become SVP for business development, as well as a member of the Strategic Board of the Group. The 50-year old French executive, who has held many high-level positions in the outdoor sports business, was most recently CEO of Salomon Group.
 
The first objective of the Strategic Outdoor Project and initiative is to develop and market Tecnica and Dolomite to their full potential in the outdoor sector, building on the strong brand identity, offering unique product innovation and capitalizing on the presence of the brands at specialized retailers in markets around the world with a particular emphasis on the US market.
 
“We strongly believe in this project, which represents a milestone in the company strategy for the future-says Giancarlo Zanatta, president and CEO of Tecnica Group. “We are confident that our brands can be as powerful and successful in the outdoor market as they are in the ski-market, where the Tecnica Group will continue to reinforce its leadership.”
 
Diard officially takes over his new tasks in the Group on September 1st, 2008.
 
“I’m proud to join Tecnica Group to contribute to this ambitious project,” said Diard. “Our brands have a great equity and potential and I’m confident that with the trust of the shareholders and the commitment of a professional and motivated team- we will be able to offer great innovations and value to the market. “