The Norwegian sporting goods group Active Brands AS is realigning its activities in Central Europe and is focusing on the outdoor brands Sweet Protection and Kari Traa in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
As part of the realignment, Active Brands announced on Monday a number of staff changes as well as new office space and a new showroom in Germany. The company’s aim is to promote the growth of the two brands. One way to achieve this is to offer new trading partners an even better and more comprehensive service, which will give end consumers better access to the products.
New additions and a new showroom
The company’s new branch in Gmund am Tegernsee marks the spatial beginning. The new office space and a showroom located there. The premises offer the two brands space for sales, marketing and office staff and a platform for events, training and events, according to the statement. The showroom will be particularly important because after more than 10 years, Active Brands is taking over the distribution of the Sweet Protection brand in Germany.
In Germany, Tommy Listl was appointed Country Manager DACH in October. He previously gained experience in sales and marketing at the outdoor brand The North Face. He will play a central role in the development and implementation of Sweet Protection’s growth strategy in Germany, according to the statement. He receives support in Bavaria from Johannes Kölbl, who has been working as regional account manager since November. He will be responsible for regional sales activities and will be in close contact with customers and partners.
Things are different for Kari Traa. Since May 2020, Denise Wippich has served as Country Manager DACH and leads Kari Traa’s activities in the region. Martin Hörl is now taking on responsibility for representing the brand in Austria within the team led by Wippich.
There is also growth in the customer service area. Caroline Lehmann has been supporting the team since October to increase customer satisfaction.