Black Diamond appoints industry veteran to lead Gregory brand
04/04/2011
A former Patagonia executive, Mr Kulczycki comes to the post after four years as president and chief executive of of men's outdoor apparel, headwear and gloves, luggage, accessories and footwear manufacturer C.C. Filson Company. In nearly 40 years in the outdoor industry, he has also worked as a consultant and independent sales representative.
In his new post, Mr Kulczycki will lead the Gregory brand and directly manage the senior team of John Pieper (North America director of sales & marketing), Dion Goldsworthy (international director of sales), John Sears (director of product) while also working closely with European brand manager, Andrea Meerholz. In addition he will serve as the liaison with the executive team at Black Diamond Inc, which now owns Gregory, reporting to Black Diamond chief executive, Peter Metcalf.
On announcing the appointment, Mr Metcalf said: “I am both excited and exceedingly pleased to have someone of BK’s breadth and depth of professional global experience in the outdoor space taking the leadership reins of Gregory. He is exactly the sort of seasoned industry veteran that an iconic Gregory needs to guide its next phase of global growth in the world of specialty outdoor packs and bags. What makes this hire exceptionally gratifying is the fact that BK and I have forged a 30-year long friendship and professional relationship of mutual respect that has matured through the business challenges we have both successfully navigated.”
Mr Kulczycki will be based at Gregory’s new Salt Lake City headquarters where the company relocated earlier this year following its merger with Black Diamond. Gregory operates as an independent brand with an autonomous product management, research & development and sales & marketing team pursuing their own global strategies.
“In backpacks, Gregory is known for relentlessly pioneering new suspensions and new technologies. Combine that 35-year heritage of innovation with Black Diamond’s operational platform and Gregory’s potential is unlimited,” Mr Kulczycki said. “I’m honoured to join such an iconic, innovative and well respected brand as Gregory, as well as the leadership team at Black Diamond Inc.”
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