Osprey Packs, Inc. has named the former leader of rival backpack brand Kelty to the newly created role of chief operating officer, where he will head take over many administrative duties alongside CEO Tom Barney.



Ballards’s portfolio includes operations, IT, purchasing, quality and returns as well as human resources.

 

“Osprey Packs is very excited to welcome Kenny to our company,” said Barney. “Filling the COO role completes Osprey's executive team and will help provide Osprey and our customers further critical internal support. Kenny possesses the experience and energy necessary to be successful as our COO and contribute to Osprey’s leadership and future growth.”

 

Ballard served as president of Boulder Outdoor Specialty Group (BOSG) that includes Kelty, Sierra Designs, Slumberjack and Wenger camping. Most recently, Ballard headed up Kenny Ballard Consulting which is a multi-channel brand, sales, marketing, product and management consulting firm.

 

“As a longtime admirer of the Osprey brand, I am honored to be a part of this passionate and accomplished team,” said Ballard. “I look forward to being a part of the brand’s future in this strategic role.”

 

Next month, Ballard and his family will relocate to beautiful SW Colorado, home to Osprey corporate headquarters.
Osprey Packs is still anchored by the design genius of company founder and owner, Mike Pfotenhauer. While based near the San Juan Mountains in Cortez, CO, the company maintains a product development office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to be near the factories that manufacture its products. It has operated a design hub in Mill Valley, CA since 2009 and is celebrating its 40th year in business this year.