Jack Wolfskin names Richard Collier as new CEO

25 Nov '20

3 min read

Pic: Jack Wolfskin

Richard Collier has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of Jack Wolfskin, effective December 1, 2020. In this role, he will be responsible for the successful further development of the strategic brand positioning, and the continued internationalisation for Jack Wolfskin, a leading provider of premium-quality outdoor apparel and equipment.

In June 2020, the company had already confirmed that their current CEO, Melody Harris-Jensbach and Callaway Golf, had been amicably preparing a succession arrangement. This arrangement follows the completion of the Jack Wolfskin integration into the Callaway group, which was acquired in 2019. Harris-Jensbach, who has been CEO of the leading outdoor supplier since 2014, will continue to support the company in an executive consulting capacity.

Collier is moving to Jack Wolfskin from the Helly Hansen group, a leading supplier of technical ski, sailing and workwear based in Oslo, Norway. He has worked there for the last 17 years, most recently as chief product officer. During his tenure, Collier contributed significantly to their product, brand, operational and financial performance, and built their social responsibility and sustainability credentials from the ground up, according to a press release by Jack Wolfskin.

Prior to joining the Helly Hansen group, he worked for Tandberg Telecom, Kurt Salmon Associates and Adidas, where he held senior sales and marketing positions.

Since 2014, Melody Harris-Jensbach has led Jack Wolfskin through several shareholder changes and successfully turned around the business and realigned the collection and brand positioning of the leading outdoor brand. Before joining Jack Wolfskin, Harris-Jensbach held various executive positions including board member and chief product officer for Esprit, and deputy chairman and chief product officer at Puma. Since the Summer of 2020, she has been a member of the supervisory board of Lenzing, a manufacturer of innovative and sustainable fibre solutions.

“Collier’s broad and impressive experience in a multi-national, multi-brand company will help drive the further development of Jack Wolfskin. In addition to his international business acumen and leadership skills, he has a strong understanding of Jack Wolfskin’s core market. I am convinced that his experience and expertise will help drive continued innovation and success for the business,” Callaway Golf executive vice president, apparel and soft goods, Joe Flannery said.

“We would like to thank Melody for her professional and trustful cooperation. She has recently done an excellent job in integrating Jack Wolfskin into the Callaway group and is responsible for ensuring that the modern outdoor collection and brand positioning increasingly appeal to new and young target groups. These initiatives have enhanced the brand’s desirability in the market,” Chip Brewer, CEO of Callaway Golf said.

“I know Jack Wolfskin and its products well, and I am very excited to join this great brand. Having worked in the outdoor industry for many years, I admire how the company has grown and evolved, while continuing to introduce exceptional, eco-conscious products in the marketplace. I look forward to working with this incredible team to drive even more growth and success,” Collier said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)

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