After eighteen years at Tecnica USA, Sam Cook has taken a new position with Prince Sports as General Manager, U.S. and Canada, effective September 1, 2010.  Cook has been President of the Tecnica/Blizzard division of Tecnica Group USA since 2008.


In announcing this change, Peter Weaver, CEO of Tecnica Group USA, extended his appreciation and thanks to Cook for his years of service, as well as his accomplishments for the brands.  “We wish Sam all the best in his new endeavor.  He has demonstrated his ability to lead not only with energy and enthusiasm, but also with innovation and insight.  He can take pride in the growth and improved market position of Tecnica, as well as the rapid growth of Blizzard in the alpine ski marketplace in recent years.  The products have distinguished themselves and the programs have become well tuned to the needs of both the retailer and the consumer.”


Cook began his career with Tecnica in 1993 as the National Product Manager of Völkl Tennis, after graduating from Dartmouth College, where he captained the tennis team to its first Ivy League Championship.  During his twelve years with Völkl Tennis, Cook managed
all aspects of the brand, which grew from start-up to the number four racquet brand in the


US. In 2004 Cook moved into the winter sports industry as Vice President of Sales for Tecnica and Völkl and in 2007 became Vice President / General Manager of Tecnica USA.  One year later Cook was promoted to President of the Tecnica/Blizzard division of Tecnica Group USA.


Speaking about his time at Tecnica, Cook commented, “I have loved my time in the winter sports and footwear industry, and have learned immensely from the experience.  Tecnica USA is my family and I am extremely grateful for the tremendous experiences, opportunities and wonderful colleagues, with whom I have had the great fortune to work.  Both Tecnica and Blizzard are strategically positioned for continued success in winter sports and Tecnica Footwear has tremendous untapped potential.  I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to move back to my passionate roots in tennis after this great tenure at Tecnica.”


Weaver stated that the management roles for Tecnica/Blizzard will be evaluated over the coming months, he will handle interim duties as needed and key positions will be announced as they become finalized.  “The product and marketing personnel as well as the sales force are all part of a great team and we will review the best fits for the future staffing,” Weaver stated.
                            


The Tecnica Group operates worldwide and owns Tecnica (ski boot, outdoor footwear, après ski) Nordica (skis and ski-boots), Dolomite (ski-boots, outdoor, apparel and footwear), Blizzard (skis), Rollerblade (in-line skates), Nitro (snowboards), Lowa (outdoor and ski-boots), Think Pink (sportswear), Moon Boot (après ski) and T-Shoes (urban footwear).  The Tecnica Group is the number one premium outdoor footwear maker in the world and the number one outdoor footwear group in Europe.  ###