Lorpen Announces Staffing Changes at North American Offices

Toronto, Canada (October 27, 2009) – As a result of the company’s rapid growth and increased retailer base, Lorpen, a leading designer of high performance socks for outdoor enthusiasts, is pleased to announce that Bruce Barrows has been promoted to the position of North American Sales Manager. Bruce will now be responsible for Lorpen’s sales across the U.S. as well as Canada. Bill Weatheral, who has been with Lorpen from the beginning and has worn many hats for the company over the years, will assume the position of Key Account Specialist.

Bruce Barrows joined Lorpen in January 2009 as the U.S. Sales Manager and has now officially been promoted to North American Sales Manager, taking the added responsibility for Canadian sales. In the past year, Bruce has revamped Lorpen’s approach to sales and made significant inroads to growing current accounts with retailers and expanding the sales base for Lorpen. In his new position, Bruce will be tasked to hire regional sales reps throughout North America and manage that staff. He will also expand sales programs that are already working in the U.S. so they can be implemented abroad.

Bill Weatheral has assumed a number of responsibilities at Lorpen over the years, and has dealt with customer service, credit management, operations and retailer relations. As Key Account Specialist, he will be responsible for fostering key retailer accounts in the U.S. and Canada, and for developing and implementing industry relationships with outdoor organizations. As a bi-lingual sales specialist, he will be instrumental in the French-speaking Quebec region.

“Both Bruce and Bill have been instrumental in Lorpen’s significant growth over the past year and are deserving of these promotions,” said Colin Sanders, vice president of Lorpen North America. “Based on Bruce’s performance so far in 2009, Lorpen has increased sales through an expanded retailer base, has grown current retailer orders, and has sought out additional relationships and opportunities in regions where Lorpen has not been before. As a ‘Lorpen veteran,’ Bill has grown with the brand and is a member of the Lorpen family in every sense. With his long history with Lorpen, Bill brings a deep understanding of the product and operations and we are excited to put him at the sales forefront.”

About Lorpen
Founded in 1985, Lorpen is based in Etxalar, Spain, located at the base of the Pyrenees. Lorpen has been selling performance socks in Canada since 2001 and in the U.S. since 2004. Lorpen’s philosophy is that comfort is the guiding principle to everything they do, and as such, creates high performance socks for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Lorpen socks are now available in 55 different countries around the world, including a variety of independent and major retailers across the U.S. and Canada. For more info, go to www.lorpen.com

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