Hi-Tec Sports USA Announces Management Changes
OutdoorHub 01.18.13
Hi-Tec Sports, the global sports and outdoor company, today announced the appointment of Simon Bonham as CEO of its United States of America (US) subsidiary. He will be leading the Amsterdam, Netherlands-based company’s two brands in the US market, Hi-Tec Sports USA and Magnum USA. His appointment is effective immediately. Brad Gebhard, former CEO, has opted to leave the company.
Bonham is responsible for setting the US strategic vision by working with existing customers and attracting new channels of distribution. He also directs the subsidiary’s strategic marketing campaigns and reports to Hi‐Tec Sports Global CEO Ed van Wezel. He is based at the Portland, Oregon Hi‐Tec Sports USA headquarters.
Bonham is a seasoned Hi-Tec veteran with more than 17 years of experience within the company. His last role was in Amsterdam as Hi-Tec Sports’ Global Marketing Director. He led the Hi-Tec “Inspired by Life” brand campaign that resulted in international sales more than tripling in the past three years.
“Simon’s proven track record within our business ensures that the experience gained can be put to great use in the US. He, like so many long serving people in the Hi-Tec Sports organisation, has a huge Hi-Tec and Magnum heart, a great work ethic and understands the business intimately,” said van Wezel.
Added van Wezel: “Brad has been an outstanding member of Hi-Tec’s executive team and we thank him for his contributions. His leadership has made a lasting impact on the Magnum and Hi-Tec US brands.”
Other New Appointments
The company also announced Ian Little has joined the Portland team as the new Marketing Manager for both Hi-Tec USA and Magnum USA, reporting to Bonham. He will drive the retail marketing functions for both brands. Little was previously Hi-Tec Sports’ South Africa subsidiary’s marketing manager.
Luke Barlow, from Hi-Tec Sports’ Global e-Commerce team, has also joined the Portland team as the new USA Director of e-Commerce, where he will lead the e-Commerce, Retail and IT teams. Barlow’s mission is to build on the consumer experience and elevate the brand through digital platforms.
DeGay Harris is Hi-Tec Sports USA’s new Director of Accounting. Harris previously was Corporate Controller at KEEN and Icebreaker USA and is responsible for all accounting and human resources functions.
“This new US team will prove invaluable as we continue to build our business across the US,” said van Wezel.
