Nikwax named Rick Meade as the company’s new North American President, effective immediately. Meade will provide strategic leadership and tactical management for the North American arm of the UK-based company. Meade joins Nikwax after a 15-year career with Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) where he was a recognized leader in setting successful growth strategies with leading brand partners.
Most recently, he served as Director of Merchandising Management leading teams in REI’s iconic Camping and Climb, and later Snowsports and Watersports businesses. As a seasoned merchant, Meade is well versed in delivering meaningful innovation to enhance the Outdoor experience of an evolving customer base. Meade has a long-standing passion for the outdoors and is an advocate for increasing and enhancing youth participation in Outdoor activities and has volunteered with Camp Fire, Boy Scouts, Washington Trails Association (WTA), Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center (NWAC) and the SIA's Backcountry Committee.
Owner and Managing Director of Nikwax, Nick Brown, stated, “We are delighted to have Rick Meade join as president of Nikwax North America. Nikwax is growing the core business and expanding its capacity to contribute to the outdoor manufacturing sector. For example, Nikwax is continuing to develop the technology to produce water-repellent and resistant materials without PFC content, like Nikwax Hydrophobic Down (taken up by RAB and Cascade Designs). We foresee Rick’s comprehensive knowledge of outdoor brands and products, strong leadership skills, and ability to drive things forward to be a huge asset as we develop these new markets and opportunities.”
Meade reflected, “Nikwax is well positioned to provide solutions for an evolving market and consumer with clean chemistry and sustainable practices that empower the consumer to extend the performance of quality apparel and footwear.”
“I am pleased to join a strong team that will deliver reliable support to our specialty retail base, grow brand awareness with the outdoor sports participant, and continue to deliver innovation in our areas of core competence,” he added.
