Amer Winter & Outdoor Americas has named Matt Kaplan as vice president and business director of Suunto North America. Stepping up from his current position as National Sales Director for Suunto North America, Kaplan brings 12 years of outdoor and action sports experience to his new role. Beginning April 1, Kaplan will take charge of strategic decisions and operations including the company’s relocation and transition from Carlsbad, California to Ogden, Utah. Mike Dowse, who led Suunto North America until recently, will focus on his new position as President and General Manager of Amer Winter & Outdoor Americas.

“Matt Kaplan is ideally suited to lead Suunto North America through its transition and continued growth,” explains Dowse. “He knows the Suunto brand and its products intimately, and he’s a proven relationship-builder with great rapport among accounts and colleagues alike.”

Beginning August 2007, Suunto North America will operate from the Amer Winter & Outdoor Americas complex in Ogden, sharing its headquarters with fellow Amer Sports brands Salomon and Atomic. Amer Winter & Outdoor Americas was founded in August 2006 to provide a shared infrastructure for Amer’s US-based winter and outdoor businesses. Ogden is located on the west side of the Wasatch Mountains, 40 miles north of Salt Lake City International Airport. The city boasts a vibrant historic district and quick access to world-class skiing.

“These are exciting times for Suunto, and I’m ready to lead the transition and build a successful team that will take sales and brand awareness to the next level in North America,” says Kaplan. “Suunto products are favored by the world’s leading mountaineers, divers and endurance trainers, and it’s a true honor to be working with such a coveted brand.”

In the coming months, Kaplan will build a new team and oversee Suunto North America’s transition from Carlsbad to Ogden. His North American duties will also include strategic decisions and operations, profit and loss responsibility, and oversight of the company’s national sales force, marketing, distribution and customer service.