North Point Brands, parent company of Cheeky Fishing and Wingo Outdoors, appointed fishing veteran Peter Vandergrift as Chief Marketing Officer for both brands.

Vandergrift is joining the company after a seven-year run with Costa Sunglasses as its freshwater community manager where he led initiatives around fly fishing and other freshwater fishing categories. Prior to that, he spent five years with Simms Fishing Products where he held a similar role.

“We could not be more excited to add Peter to the North Point Brands team,” said Ted Upton CEO of North Point Brands. “His leadership in the fly fishing industry, dedication to conservation and innovative approach to community brand building will be welcomed expertise as Cheeky Fishing and Wingo Outdoors scale to the next level.”

Vandergrift has a diverse and long history in the fishing industry. He began guiding at 19 in Alaska in the shadow of the proposed Pebble Mine and went on to guide and outfit in Montana and Northern Wyoming prior to joining Simms.

“I am so excited to be joining this talented team at North Point,” commented Vandergrift. “I hope to take what I have learned from two world-class companies in Costa and Simms and develop something truly special with these innovative brands.”

Conservation and community are the hallmarks of Vandergrift’s work. He has been instrumental in establishing the Kick Plastic movement. He was also recognized for his work with the indigenous fishing communities with the nonprofit Indifly as well as helping Trout Unlimited connect to the next generation of conservationists with the Costa TU 5 Rivers College program. He is also credited with creating strong relationships in the guide and outfitting community with events such as Simms Ice Out and Costa’s Slack Tide Guide Gathering.

Amanda Sabin of Costa Sunglasses commented on Vandergrift’s departure, “Although we are sad to see him go, we are proud of the work that he has done and are excited about his new opportunity. He will always be part of our Costa Tribe.”

Vandergrift will continue to work from Missoula, MT where he lives with his family.

Photo courtesy North Point Brands/Peter Vandergrift