Icebreaker, the New Zealand Company that pioneered the outdoor merino wool apparel category, announced today that Benoit Gazagnes has joined the Icebreaker team as Country Manager for France and Spain.In this newly created position, Gazagnes is responsible for strategically developing and implementing Icebreaker’s wholesale business strategy in France and Spain, and also integrate Icebreaker´s global efforts around retail and eCommerce to provide an integrated approach in these markets. He will be based from Icebreaker’s newly expanded office in Annecy, France.
“Benoit brings more that 20 years of brand management in Europe to Icebreaker. From general to specialized distribution, he always succeeded in settling strong and long-lasting business relationships with the partners and customers,” said Max Hofbauer, General Manager – Europe of Icebreaker.
“He has achieved great results with the premium brands he had to develop, and we look forward to him applying his leadership skills and experience to further promoting Icebreaker in Europe.”
“Icebreaker is a revolutionary brand with a large and increasing number of opportunities for business growth and synergy across Europe. I am excited to be joining the team and helping bring it to the next level in the French and Spanish markets,” said Gazagnes.
Gazagnes comes to Icebreaker from Petzl, the manufacturer of climbing and work-at-height equipment and headlamps, where he was Sales Manager for Pro and Sport Market for nine years.
About Icebreaker
Icebreaker merino clothing for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle includes underwear, mid-layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for men, women and children. Icebreaker is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and is sold in more than 3000 stores in 44 countries.