SmartWool® Names New Director of Apparel

SmartWool Corporation, the Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based Merino wool apparel and accessories company is pleased to announce the recent hire of Kelly Gorder as the company’s new Director of Apparel. Kelly is the former Divisional Merchandise Manager at the Sundance Catalog.

As the new Director of Apparel, Kelly’s responsibilities include the development of seasonal sales programs that drive product initiatives and new market opportunities. Also, she will lead the strategic planning process for apparel and accessories and work with agency sales reps on development of account business plans and promo programs.

Kelly comes to SmartWool with more than a decade of experience in merchandising from her Product Line Manager role at REI to her Merchandising Analyst Position at Target Stores. Most recently, Kelly was the Divisional Merchandise Manager for the Sundance Catalog in Salt Lake City. In that position, she was responsible for planning, developing and managing all aspects of merchandising with the fashion product.

“We see the apparel side of our business as one of our biggest growth opportunities,” said Mark Satkiewicz, Vice President of Sales at SmartWool. “Kelly has the expertise to fully capitalize on our current business momentum and take our program to the next level. Meanwhile, her passion for outdoor sports and the mountain lifestyle embodies the essence of the SmartWool® brand and culture. She’s an excellent complement to our company.”

“As an avid outdoor enthusiast, SmartWool has been a part of my life for quite some time,” said Kelly. “I’m excited to be joining such a reputable team with so many opportunities. People are now rediscovering wool – Merino wool specifically – as the performance fabric of choice. What they don’t realize is that SmartWool offers a full line of everyday clothing that can handle whatever adventures the day may bring. I hope to help bridge that gap in the minds’ of the consumer.”
# # #

ABOUT SMARTWOOL: SmartWool® is a leading performance brand offering Merino wool-based apparel, socks and accessories. Nothing can compare to SmartWool® products for the ultimate in performance, comfort and easy care. SmartWool® fiber is superior at vaporizing moisture, controlling temperature and order and is guaranteed not to shrink. It’s also a renewable resource that illustrates the design genius of evolution. For information on the full range of SmartWool® products or to find a dealer near you, please log onto SmartWool’s award winning website: www.SmartWool.com. SmartWool Corporate is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Timberland Company.