Osprey Packs, Inc. has hired Bradford Bates as their new director of sales, effective immediately.
As director of sales, Bates is responsible for leading Osprey’s overall domestic sales strategy. He will directly manage the outdoor channel and work closely with Patrick Piller, Osprey’s bike sales manager in managing the IBD channel. Bates will focus much of his time looking to enhance the relationships already in place and continue to develop programs that support both the internal and external sales teams at Osprey.
“Brad’s extensive outdoor and bike industry experience and relationships, along with his dedicated work style and passion for the outdoors, makes him the perfect fit for Osprey. I’m excited to work with Brad and see everyone benefit from his leadership,” said Tom Barney, CEO of Osprey Packs.
Bates comes to Osprey with two decades of experience in the outdoor, snow sport, and bicycling industries. He has been a sales manager with Mountain Hardwear, Inc., for the past seven years as both western regional sales manager and national sales manager, where he was responsible for managing a sales team with 30 independent sales representatives in nine territories. Prior to Mountain Hardwear, Bates partnered with others to manage a couple of independent sales representative agencies where his clients included JanSport, Cloudveil, Marin Bikes, Gita Sporting Goods and other outdoor, snow sport and bicycling brands. Earlier in his career he was national sales manager at Gary Fisher Bicycles.
“I see this is as a great opportunity for me to work with a company with a tremendous approach to product and people,” said Bates. “Their commitment to the environment and maintaining an active outdoor lifestyle is quite inspirational. I couldn’t be more excited to join the team at Osprey.”
Bates will split his time between Osprey’s U.S. headquarters in Cortez, CO and the company’s design studio in Mill Valley, CA before relocating to Southwest Colorado this summer.
