Business people : Helly Hansen Names Graham Gephart N.A. Senior Marketing Manager

Helly Hansen today named Graham Gephart to the newly created Senior Marketing Manager position for Helly Hansen North America. In his new role, Gephart will oversee regional strategy, advertising, retail marketing, public relations, social media, and marketing collaborations with more than 40 North American resort and guiding operations.

Gephart’s new position is one of multiple North American marketing, merchandising and product positions recently established under the ownership of the Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan. The OTPP acquired the majority of the 136-year-old Oslo, Norway-based active lifestyle brand in 2012.

“Helly Hansen is experiencing record growth in the U.S. and Canada,” said Erik Burbank vice president of global marketing for Helly Hansen. “We’re investing in top talent and expanding our team to ensure our brand and business continue to grow across our winter, outdoor, water sports, and work wear categories.

“Graham is a key addition to our team. He has an impressive track record in the industry and brings a high level of knowledge and creativity that will benefit our brand, retailers, and partners.”

Gephart, who is an avid backcountry skier, alpinist and outdoor enthusiast, previously served as global brand manager for K2 Outdoor Group where he oversaw marketing and brand efforts for Atlas Snow-Shoe Company, Tubbs Snowshoes, PowdeRidge Snowshoes and Madshus Nordic equipment. Previously, he was the managing editor of Couloir. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.

“Helly Hansen is an incredible brand with a rich heritage and a loyal following,” said Gephart. “I'm proud to join and lead an exceptionally creative team in the U.S. and Canada. I look forward to expanding on our unique programs to foster even greater excitement and brand loyalty in the North American market.”

About Helly Hansen:
Founded in Moss, Norway, in 1877, Helly Hansen continues to protect and enable professionals making their living on oceans and mountains around the world. Their apparel, developed through a blend of Scandinavian design and insights drawn from living in some of the harshest environments on earth, helps provide the confidence professionals need to step out into the elements and complete their jobs. The company invented the first supple, waterproof fabrics more than 130 years ago, created the first fleece fabrics in the 1960s and introduced the first technical base layers made with LIFA® Stay Dry Technology in the 1970s. Today, Helly Hansen is the official uniform partner for more than 60 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations and has outfitted more than 33,000 mountain professionals. The brand's outerwear, base layers, sportswear and footwear for winter, outdoor and water sports are sold in more than 40 countries. To learn more about Helly Hansen's latest collections, visit www.hellyhansen.com.

Written By: Ryan Hayter