Hydrapak Expands and Adds New Positions at Oakland Headquarters

Hydrapak, a premium hydration equipment supplier within the sporting goods, outdoor, and military markets, today announced several promotions within its sales, marketing, and logistics departments. Hydrapak has promoted David Kim to Sales and Marketing Manager and Jim Vernon to Brand Manager.

David Kim came to Hydrapak two years ago and has proven to be invaluable for supply chain management with factories, OEM clients, and distributors as well as a gifted resource to Bike Industry trends.Kim has shown a broad range of experience including graphic design and photography while serving as Hydrapak’s In-House Graphic Design Department and successfully produced eye catching marketing collateral that has defined the brand image.An avid cyclist with a penchant for building up a variety of bikes, Kim can be found on weekends cycling the roads or trails of Northern California on one of his creations.

Also being promoted is Jim Vernon, who has expanded Hydrapak’s presence within the core bike, outdoor and trail running communities through various initiatives using social media, athlete programs, web, and grass root channels.He will further expand this footprint and will serve as lead for new running market opportunities. A committed trail runner, Vernon is also the founder of The Endurables, a trail running club that attracts the area’s top runners for their weekly training runs in Marin County, CA.

Both Kim and Vernon will report directly to Director of Sales and Marketing Matt Patterson, who will now keenly focus primarily on managing Hydrapak’s international OEM market, distributors, national retail initiatives and outside rep groups.

“We are privileged to have such a talented team and I am excited about the new developments internally,” says Patterson. “We are now poised to grow the company and the entire hydration category for our brand and our partners beyond the tremendous success we have already achieved in 2010. The extraordinary product knowledge, attention to detail and level of creativity that Jim and David, bring to bear in their new roles will ensure that Hydrapak continues to produce the most innovative hydration gear for the core consumer.”

Hydrapak has seen demand explode for its offering of innovative hydration gear, especially demand for its technology from OEM customers, which has doubled in sales in the last two years. Indeed, Hydrapak is well positioned as a premium manufacturer and supplier within this growing category.

The rewards of the entire team’s efforts can be seen in Hydrapak’s refinement of their Pro Series line that now flows through their entire redesigned 2011 range.The new gear expands into several new categories, including commuter and running, and the stand-alone hydration line advancements include its ultra-reliable Surge bite valve, Plug-N-Play tube connector and strong single seam reservoir welding.Hydrapak is set to unveil their new line at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Show (Booth #7041).

About Hydrapak

Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world. More information can be found at www.hydrapak.com or by calling 510.632.8318.