SGB Update

Oberalp Group Hires New Sales and Marketing Director

The Oberalp Group, which owns Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca, Wild Country, and Evolv, hired Loren Morshead as sales and marketing director for North America for the five brands in the U.S. and Canada.

Fitbit Fined in Australia Over Misleading Claims

Fitbit was fined $11 million by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) after the maker of smartwatches and fitness trackers admitted that it misled consumers over its return policies.

Timberland Appoints Global Brand President

Timberland appointed Nina Flood as global brand president. She had been interim Timberland president following Susie Mulder’s exit on November 8.

Gregory, High Sierra Parent Company Sees Debt Ratings Upgrade

S&P Global Ratings raised the debt ratings outlook of Samsonite International S.A., the parent of Gregory and High Sierra, as the company reported strong operating performance in the third quarter ended September due to both revenue growth and ongoing operational efficiency trends, which enabled it to accelerate its deleveraging.

KOA Appoints VP of Franchise Services

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) promoted Aaron Williamson to vice president of franchise services, highlighting his successful tenure in campground management and franchise operations.

Continental Tires Americas Hires Head of Bicycle

Continental Tires the Americas, LLC, based in Fort Mill, SC, said Shane Messner joined the company as head of Bicycle the Americas timed with the company’s recently announcing it is ramping up its presence in the U.S. and Canada with QBP as a new distribution partner.

Seirus Adds Indie Sales Agency for Colorado Territory

Seirus added Brooke Turner Webster and her agency to its independent sales rep team. As principal and managing partner of Turner LTD, Turner will oversee sales in Colorado, a key territory for the company. 

Z-Man Adds and Upgrades Fishing Tackle Talent to Team

Six-year Z-Man veteran and previous sales manager Ryan Harder was promoted this past summer to brand manager. Brandon McKellar recently joined the company at its home office in Ladson, SC to backfill Harder’s former role.

Nike Opens New Store in Tokyo Focused on Running

The purpose for Nike Ginza is to serve local runners at all levels and connect them to one another. In Japan, this is channeled through competitive relay running, a passion that’s visible from late fall through winter during Ekiden season.

Vista Outdoor Gets Antitrust Nod for Ammo Business Sale

Vista Outdoor, Inc. reported that the deal to merge its sporting products business with Czechoslovak Group a.s. has cleared the antitrust clearance period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

Nordstrom Names Chief Information Security Officer

Nordstrom named Nicole Ford as chief information security officer. Previously, Ford was VP and CISO at Rockwell Automation, with experience guiding security transformation initiatives and developing cybersecurity programs.