UK Outdoor Industries Association appoints new director
26/02/2009
The UK Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) has confirmed Louise Ramsay as its new director. She will take up her new position on March 9.
Ms Ramsay has worked in the outdoor sector since the mid-1990s, initially as a ski guide and then in a series of sales and marketing roles. She joined outdoor retailer Graham Tiso Ltd in 2001 as marketing manager and rose through the ranks to the position of marketing director for Tiso Group.
During the last 18 months, the OIA has completed a comprehensive review and re-organisation, with the development of a new strategic plan and the delivery of several projects. Louise Ramsay joins the organisation as it embarks on a sustained programme of activity during 2009, designed to continue the process of developing the OIA into a dynamic and effective trade association for the twenty-first century.
During 2009, the OIA aims to improve its communications, with members, the trade in general, government and the general public. Through PR and marketing, its new website, and a range of initiatives, the association will promote the outdoors and outdoor industries. Key events on the horizon include Innov_ex 09 in May and OutDoor in July. The OIA is headline sponsor of the former and is in the early stages of planning an event for UK brands and retailers at the latter.
In addition to the above, the OIA has embarked on a sustained programme of consumer research, providing members with valuable market intelligence, and informing the direction of future communications and lobbying campaigns. Two research projects have already been completed and more are in the pipeline.
As the OIA’s director, Louise Ramsay will be responsible for providing leadership in the delivery of all association activities. She will work closely with the OIA Council and the organisation’s PR and marketing agency, Press Ahead.
On accepting the position, Ms Ramsay commented: “I am excited about having the opportunity to take on this challenging role. It comes at a time when the industry is witnessing some significant changes and the Outdoor Industries Association can, and should be, making a positive difference and playing a more pivotal role. I have a great chance to develop the association and ensure that it drives, supports, and ultimately helps grow, the outdoor industry by providing relevant services and value for money, and working effectively with members and other organisations.
“I am passionate about the outdoors and for me this role is both a natural fit and the right career move. It will allow me to take my skills and experience from a retail marketing background and use them to help drive the OIA forward and give it greater credibility and authority within the industry, and in front of a wider audience.”
Frank Bennett, chairman of the OIA, added: “I am delighted that Louise has agreed to join the Outdoor Industries Association. She impressed the interview panel with her passion for the outdoors, her understanding of the challenges facing the wide range of organisations operating in the sector, and her vision for the OIA. Louise joins the association at a crucial time and I am confident that she will quickly make a very positive impact. She brings relevant experience and fresh ideas to the role of director, and will be supported by Council as she sets out and delivers her plans for 2009 and beyond.”
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