Black Diamond strengthen apparel team for product launch

"As the solid momentum at Black Diamond continues, we have promoted from within and hired exceptional talent for newly created positions that bolster our operational platform and augment our new apparel team," said Peter Metcalf, President and CEO of Black Diamond.

Mark Ritchie has been promoted to Black Diamond's newly created position of Chief Operating Officer. Ritchie joins CEO Peter Metcalf and CFO Robert Peay as one of three senior executive officers of the Company. For nearly 20 years, Ritchie has thoughtfully led the formidable global operational platform that supports the complex, yet highly efficient, modern businesses of Black Diamond Equipment, Gregory Mountain Products and now POC.

Additionally, Black Diamond promoted Zach Posner to Vice President of Information Technology. In less than two years, Posner has transformed Black Diamond's IT functions to better serve the global organization.

Wim de Jager has been promoted to Managing Director of Black Diamond Equipment Asia. Formerly Director of Operations at Black Diamond Equipment Asia, de Jager will now lead all manufacturing and distribution activities at Black Diamond's subsidiary in Zhuhai, China. Other promotions include: Lauri Hawkins, Director of Sourcing Development for Apparel; Doug Heinrich, Director of Line Planning; and Kasey Jarvis, Director of Design.

Black Diamond also welcomes new hires Laura Deuser, Joe Moak and Sven Mostoegl to several newly created positions. Deuser joins the apparel team as an Apparel Textile Engineer, formerly serving as a Research Assistant in the Center for Research on Textile Protection and Comfort.

Moak joins Black Diamond as Design Engineer and brings over a decade of experience in his field. Most recently, Moak worked at Apple, where he led the product design group and was instrumental in bringing the Mac Mini to production.

Lastly, Mostoegl joins Black Diamond Europe as the Apparel Product Manager. Mostoegl's recent experience includes working as a Product Category Manager for The North Face. In that role, he worked alongside their global team in Europe, the Middle East and Asia on a wide array of special projects including product creation and merchandising.

Metcalf concluded: "With this strong class of new positions, promotions and hires, we continue to evolve our corporate structure, strengthen our team and recognize those who have displayed leadership qualities capable of driving this organization forward to our boldly envisioned future."

Black Diamond, Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of innovative active outdoor performance products for climbing, mountaineering,backpacking, skiing, cycling and other outdoor recreation activities for a wide range of year-round use.

Black Diamond Inc