Hilary Hartley has been appointed Business Area President Region Americas for Thule Group and will become a member of its global corporate management team, reporting to CEO and President Magnus Welander. Fred Clark, who holds the Region Americas President role, announced he would retire last autumn but remain with the company until Hartley starts in late April.
Hartley brings to Thule Group over 25 years of global management experience in branded lifestyle, outdoor and sports industries. He will oversee Thule Group sales, marketing, finance, business development, and go-to-market approach for the North and Latin American markets in this new role. He will be a key driver in improving distribution and go-to-market strategies.
“We are pleased to have Hilary join the Thule Group family and our corporate management team,” said Magnus Welander, CEO and Thule Group president. “The Americas region is key for our long-term growth ambitions, and we place great importance on both the strong positions in North America and the fast-growing Latin American markets. Hilary’s vast experience, passion and determination, combined with the strong team in place, will help him to excel in his new role, and we look forward to growing our North and Latin American business under his leadership.”
“Thule is a global industry-leading iconic brand for active consumers. I am proud and excited to be a part of the Thule Group family and look forward to working with Magnus and the rest of the company’s management and our North and Latin American partners. Thule has extraordinary potential among active consumers. With the passionate team in place, great products in multiple categories and strong local presence, we will drive long-term healthy growth for Thule Group and our partners in the region”, Hartley commented.
Most recently, Hartley held the position of President North America at Victorinox Swiss Army. Before his time at Victorinox, Hartley held senior management positions at Oakley North America, where he led significant growth across all distribution channels and held commercial leadership positions at Rossignol North America and various additional markets.
Photos courtesy Thule Group
