The North Face announced that ski mountaineer and long-time athlete Hilaree Nelson will serve as captain for the Global Athlete Team. Conrad Anker currently holds the position and will serve as co-captain with Nelson through the remainder of 2018, before Nelson fully transitions to team captain in 2019.
Nelson, who has been a The North Face athlete for almost 20 years, boasts an impressive roster of accomplishments including skiing the Himalayan summit of Cho Oyu in Tibet; double summiting Denali; bagging the first American ascent and ski descent of Papsura Peak, India; being named the 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and serving as the face of the Move Mountains initiative.
“Hilaree was a natural choice to succeed Conrad in the role of team captain,” said Mike Ferris, sr. director, global brand management. “Not only is she one of the best ski mountaineers in the world, but she has become a constant force of support, motivation and vision to her fellow athletes. In her new role, we know Hilaree will provide the inspiration and mentorship necessary to lead our incredibly dynamic and supportive athlete family into the future.”
Anker, who has served as team captain from 1992, when the athlete team was formed, has spent the majority of his 30 years with the brand in this role. From serving as a mentor to fellow and new athletes, to acting as a key athlete spokesperson for the brand both in the media and at corporate events, Anker works closely with the brand and sports marketing teams as they plan, strategize and navigate expedition and yearly planning.
“It is my great honor to hand the reins of Team Captain to Hilaree Nelson,” said Team Captain and mountaineer Conrad Anker. “Hilaree has a long and storied career with The North Face and is well-suited to help make the athlete experience at The North Face meaningful for both the athletes, individuals and the brand.”
General responsibilities of athlete team captain include serving as the main conduit between the athlete team and The North Face corporate team, acting as the face and voice of the brand and helping build and manage the team of the future.
