Osprey Packs Hires John Pieper As New Director Of Sales

Osprey Packs, Inc., an independent pack company located in the high desert and mountains of Southwestern Colorado, proudly announces the hiring of John Pieper as director of sales starting November 2007.

Pieper’s position is newly created as a result of Osprey’s growth and the company’s commitment to place even more focus on supporting dealers, sales staff, and the U.S. and international sales teams.

“We are privileged to have John join our company during this exciting time of growth for Osprey,” said Tom Barney, CEO of Osprey. “John brings great experience, talent and enthusiasm to Osprey as we remain focused on bringing the best packs and travel gear to the specialty outdoor market.”

Pieper rounds out the company’s strong and experienced inside sales team, joining Phil Schmitt, associate sales manager, and John Grandt, sales associate. Tom Barney led the company’s sales efforts for the past six years and will work closely with Pieper to ensure a positive transition. Barney’s role will have a heightened focus on Osprey planning, alliances, international expansion and management team support.

In his new role, Pieper will lead Osprey’s domestic sales, customer service, and returns teams. Additionally, Pieper’s immediate leadership role will engender important contributions in product design, purchasing and general company direction. The director of sales position will eventually also direct Osprey’s international sales partners.

Pieper joins Osprey with a strong background in sales leadership and general management in the outdoor industry. Most recently, John served as sales director for Petzl America, guiding the company through a similar period of growth and maturing. Prior to leading sales, he served as Petzl’s headlamp product line manager, working closely with the French R&D team and North American dealers and sales forces.

Preceding his career at Petzl, John held positions from outside sales representation to distribution center management with companies in the building materials and industrial supply markets. His diverse background and passion for the outdoors make him a natural fit for this dynamic stage in Osprey’s evolution.


About Osprey Packs

From its humble beginnings building custom backpacks and sleeping bags in Santa Cruz California, to its current recognition as an industry leader, Osprey has always flown its own course. Our mission is to create innovative high performance gear that reflects our love of adventure and our devotion to the outdoors and the environment. Osprey defines success when it meets the demanding expectation of its most discerning customers. Based in Cortez, Colorado, Osprey has over thirty-two years of pack-making experience.