Exxel Outdoors names Donald Sands As Vice President of the Outfitter Group
Sands will be key in product development, with SJK as the Outfitter Group's core brand.
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BOULDER, CO (January 28, 2020) – Donald Sands has been named Vice President of Exxel Outdoors’ Outfitter Group, announced Harry Kazazian, Chairman and CEO of the company.
With SJK as its anchor brand, Sands will play a key role in product development for the Outfitter Group, designing and distributing gear and apparel for hunting, fishing, camping, overlanding, and other camo-lifestyle adventures. Sands’ years of experience will enable him to work within the Exxel Outdoors organization, assisting in sales for the Outfitter Group and other company categories.
Sands returns after having successfully served in a variety of positions previously at Exxel as well as at former sister-entity, Prestige Apparel Manufacturing.
“We are very enthusiastic about having Donald back. He’ll be a valuable addition to our Exxel team,” Kazazian remarked. “With his strong background in product development, and proven track record in manufacturing, sales, and distribution, I’m confident that he’ll achieve tremendous outcomes.”
Sands brings extensive relationships with mass retailers, national sporting goods chains and buying groups.
During his past tenure at Exxel, Sands was fundamental in developing and distributing some of Exxel’s best-selling products, including the classic 26-pocket fishing vest and various camouflage lines. Additionally, he oversaw manufacturing in the U.S., Mexico, South America, and Asia. In 2000, Sands was pivotal in Exxel’s operational transition, when the company closed its facility in Mexico and opened its Haleyville, Alabama sleeping bag factory, leading to what has become a major U.S. manufacturing success story.
Prior to joining Exxel Outdoors, Sands served in the United States Marine Corps. as a Corporal in the Communications Military Operations Specialties, in California and Japan.
“It is truly an honor to return to Exxel as VP of the Outfitter Group,” commented Sands. “I’m excited to carry out our plans to develop fresh lines of gear and apparel and expand our customer base both in U.S. and international markets.
ABOUT EXXEL OUTDOORS: Headquartered in Colorado, we are a leading, global provider of innovative outdoor recreation products. We manufacture and distribute a broad range of authentic outdoor brands. What sets us apart: We make outdoor enjoyment accessible to everyone, from the expert mountaineer to the backyard camper to the urban explorer. Our brands include Kelty, Sierra Designs, Ultimate Direction, Hex, SJK, Kelty Tactical, Wenzel, Insta-Bed, and X2O. Our licensed collections include Realtree, Serta, Disney Consumer Products, Marvel Entertainment, and Universal Pictures. We own and operate the largest sleeping bag manufacturing facility in America. Visit: www.exxel.com
ABOUT SJK: SJK provides hunters, anglers, campers, and overlanders with a variety of innovative outdoor solutions. Lightweight and durable tactical hunting packs for high performance in the backcountry and hauling your harvests. Rugged overlanding tents, chairs, and storage gear that are perfect for the open road. Fishing vests that keep you comfortable and organized on the water. Advanced tents, sleeping bags and camp furniture that assure you a great night under the stars, in cold or warm weather. We’re proud that our new Made In USA sleeping bag collection is made at the Exxel Outdoors Alabama factory. SJK’s partners include leading camo-patterns Realtree and Kryptek, as well as many hunting and fishing adventure reality shows. Our ambassadors are big game archers, fly fishermen, whitetail muzzleloader pros, and overlanding fanatics, to name a few! Visit: SJKgear.com
For more information, please contact Dahlia Greer, Exxel Outdoors Corporate PR Director, dahlia@exxel.com.
