Gramicci Taps Vogel to Lead European Expansion
Gramicci has intensified its international presence with the addition of Christian Vogel as sales director for Europe. He reports directly to Gramicci president Marty Weening and will be located at a newly established Munich office.
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For Immediate Release
GRAMICCI TAPS VOGEL TO LEAD EUROPEAN EXPANSION
–Outdoor products industry veteran to be based in new Munich office
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. (2/5/08)—Gramicci has intensified its international presence with the addition of Christian Vogel as sales director for Europe. He reports directly to Gramicci president Marty Weening and will be located at a newly established Munich office.
In this newly created position with the Agoura Hills-based outdoor lifestyle apparel company, Vogel will be charged with growing the Gramicci brand throughout the continent via distributorships and licensing programs.
“An important part of the Gramicci growth and presence internationally is partnering with the right people and organizations that understand the scope and potential of the Gramicci concept and product message,” said Weening. “Christian has a very clear understanding of who we are and where we are going, and possesses the experience and knowledge to find and nurture good partners in Europe.”
Vogel, 30, has held similar sales positions in Europe with other leading suppliers of outdoor apparel and accessories. Most recently, he was director of European sales for Easton-Bell Sports. Prior to that, he was sales manager-Europe for Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Nalgene Outdoor Products, where he established the company’s first European office and helped build a strategic presence in 30-plus countries. His resume also includes positions with W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH.
“I know all of the countries and how to approach them,” Vogel said. “The sales structure is very different in each of the 30 markets.”
A graduate of the University of Innsbruck with an MBA in International Business Administration and Economics, Vogel also completed foreign study at the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. He speaks German, English, Spanish and French. Like many Gramicci executives, Vogel loves the outdoors and is active in mountain climbing, biking, skiing, hiking, para-gliding and sailing.
He looks forward to bringing Gramicci quality to new markets and consumers. “With the revitalization of the brand and new products, now is the perfect time to expand in Europe,” said Vogel, who added that his location in Munich is well situated for travel to the 30 countries he will target. Munich is also the home to many leading outdoor retailers and companies. The Gramicci name is already known to serious European climbers, and Vogel hopes to extend the audience, especially at a time when American brands are getting more attention from international shoppers.
About Gramicci
Gramicci, considered the ‘soul brand’ of the outdoor industry, is associated with the iconic styles of the outdoor industry including its introduction of the G-climbing pant over 25 years ago. Under the leadership of Marty Weening, the company has evolved over the past several years into a major resource and partner for outdoor lifestyle apparel. The brand is now known for its natural fiber technologies, distinct fabrications and washed-out and weathered garment finishes sold within four distinct product segments: Authentic Originals, Built For Sport, Gramicci Life, and Greenicci. For more information, visit: www.gramicci.com
Media Contacts: Outdoor trade and consumer media—Beth Cochran, BC/OC-What’s Up PR (406) 579-7909, cochran@whatsuppr.com; general apparel, retail and business media—Lisa Kreda, Parness & Associates (732) 290-0121, parnespr@optonline.net
