Business people : La Jolla Group Names International General Manager

La Jolla Group named Ian Calvesbert as EMEA General Manager. In this new position, Calvesbert will map out LJG's international strategy, including efforts to deliver the company's brand presence to a wider market and identifying new brand opportunities.In addition, LJG's newly established relationship with DNA Distribution allows Calvesbert to leverage global opportunities and add depth to a diversified stable of brands for action sports retailers in key regions including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Prior to joining LJG, Calvesbert was EMEA Managing Director of Fox Head Europe for 13 years, directing profitable growth of individual channel revenues at distributor, wholesale and retail levels. This included strategic direction, penetration of new markets and the introduction of new products, along with the improvement of customer service and media relations for the brand. Calvesbert also introduced change management and a continuous improvement program across the organization, including implementing a successful wholesale direct initiative in key European territories.

"A key objective for LJG is to introduce our portfolio and brand-building mindset overseas," said Toby Bost, La Jolla Group's CEO. "Based on our success here in the U.S., we are confident that we can provide the same operational services and brand value to retailers worldwide. Ian's new role is in line with our North American strategy, which included the hiring Doug Iwasa, GM in Canada, last year."  

Iwasa joined the LJG team to oversee the company's business development throughout Canada, the company's first effort to expand outside of the U.S.

"Our success with brands like Metal Mulisha shows that explosive growth and great sell-through domestically can help us to move into new territories with an experienced veteran and managed approach," added Bost.  "With Ian's brand building experience, we couldn't have found a better leader." 

"I am excited to be part of the La Jolla Group strategy to develop our portfolio on a global platform," said Calvesbert.  "There is a lot of opportunity in the wider European, Middle Eastern and Southern Hemisphere territories, and LJG is perfectly placed to capitalize and leverage our experience, proven best practice and industry knowledge to grow our market share."

Calvesbert is currently based in a satellite office in Durham, England and reports to Bost.

La Jolla Group's brands include O'Neill, Rusty, Metal Mulisha, FMF and The Berrics.

( SportsOneSource Media )