Tecnica Group has hired Rob Phillips to the newly created position of North American business unit director, Tecnica Footwear. Responsible for overseeing commercial operations, product and marketing, Phillips joins Tecnica with over 14 years of sales and management experience including seven years with 5.11.
Based in Italy, Tecnica re-introduced the footwear category in the U.S. and Canada in 2018. The award-winning product launch and introduction of custom-shaped, performance footwear received accolades among specialty retailers. Over the next two seasons, Tecnica expanded its C.A.S. technology into the fast hike and trail running categories.
Given the challenges of 2020, Tecnica has prioritized resourcing this division with the hire of Phillips to drive the category’s success.
“Rob’s proven experience in business development, sales leadership and strategic planning in the technical footwear category will allow us to build a sustainable, enduring foundation for Tecnica footwear,” said Sam Cook, chief commercial officer, Tecnica Group NA. “While his business experience is incredibly valuable, his passion for outdoor recreation and living an outdoor lifestyle are not only an important cultural fit for Tecnica but also necessary to truly understand the outdoor market.”
“The Tecnica brand is about ‘inspiring an active outdoor life,’ which is very impactful to me as it is exactly what we are trying to do as a family,” explained Phillips. “To be able to apply my professional experience to a brand that is working to do this on a larger scale is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to continuing to build on Tecnica’s heritage of providing premium products to the ever-growing outdoor market and making it easier for our consumers to access the outdoors with confidence and in comfort.”
Phillips begins his new role effective immediately and reports directly to Sam Cook.
Photos courtesy Tecnica
