Ibex Expands their Flock with Key New Hires
Ibex adds two key new players to its management team.
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WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT(Nov.18, 2010) — Ibex, manufacturer of technical merino wool apparel and accessories of the highest quality, adds two key new players to its management team. Effective immediately, Jeff Busic will be leading the Ibex sales team as Vice President, and Chris Leyes will head the production team in his role as Global Production Manager.
Both new hires were introduced to the Ibex sales force during the company’s Fall 2011 sales meeting on Nov. 5 in Woodstock, Vt. Busic and Leyes join the Ibex team during a time of impressive growth for the company in both staff and product line. Ibex has increased its number of employees by 60-percent since the end of 2009; and in terms of product expansion, the company will be unveiling innovative new men’s and women’s apparel at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in January 2011.
Jeff Busic brings a wealth of experience to his new VP of Sales position at Ibex. Busic has an extensive background in the outdoor industry, which began in 1992 when he worked retail for REI. He later became a sales rep for Ibex (and six other brands) from 2000-2004 with Egan and Associates, LLC. Busic moved to Colorado to work in sales at Chaco and eventually became the Director of Sales for the company until Chaco was sold. Most recently, Busic worked for Osprey Packs in Cortez, Colo. as sales manager.
As Busic settles into his new role at Ibex, his initial focus will be to energize the domestic wholesale channel. Busic and his team will be responsible for growing sales through all channels – wholesale, direct and distributor – throughout the globe.
An Indiana native, Chris Leyes most recently was the Director of Global Operations at Cocona Inc. where his duties included supply chain management, developing and maintaining supplier relationships, inventory forecasting, and planning and production management.
In his new position at Ibex, Leyes’ responsibilities include sourcing, planning and managing all factories and agencies, as well as overseeing and managing the production team in the procurement of raw materials, factory support and quality control.
“Of course I am happy to have Jeff and Chris as part of the Ibex team,” said John Fernsell, founder and CEO of Ibex. “But what company is not excited about their new hires? They should not hire them or make that investment if they are not excited. And Jeff and Chris should not move to Vermont to work at Ibex if they are not excited. Jeff and Chris both bring a tremendous amount of experience and expertise to their roles at the company, and we are glad to have them here,” Fernsell added.
About Ibex
Ibex is a designer of year-round merino wool and organic cotton outdoor clothing and cycling apparel, founded in the belief of the superior natural performance and properties of wool. Ibex couples the natural renewable resource with technical innovation and inspired design to create apparel for a diverse range of outdoor and active pursuits and passions. Men’s and Women’s items are divided into Ride, Base, Zing, Peak and Live categories, and are made from the best merino wool fabrics sustainably sourced from New Zealand. All Ibex clothing and accessories are available for purchase online, in catalog and through outdoor specialty stores. For more information, visit www.ibex.com.
