Amer Sports Announces New Management Team for the Winter Outdoor Division of the Americas

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Amer Sports Corporation -- the world's largest sports Equipment Company -- has named a new management team for its newly formed Winter & Outdoor Division of the Americas. The Division, which includes Amer brands Salomon, Atomic, Suunto and Bonfire, is headed up by President/G.M. Mike Dowse, a 16 year Amer Sports veteran. The Division was launched last month to provide a shared platform for the brands enabling them to increase customer service capacity with retailers and consumers and to help the brands build market position and sales.

Dowse, who was appointed to his post just four weeks ago, has quickly assembled an "all star lineup" of an executive team. "Because we have an existing pool of very strong leaders within Amer Sports Corporation and in particular within this division, selecting a management team was somewhat like picking a fantasy football team. We now have a collection of the best in the business," said Dowse. "And we are hitting the ground sprinting to make this a seamless and positive transition for our customers and the industry." The new team will be composed of the following Amer executives:

James Curleigh has been appointed to the position of President of Strategic Development for the Division of the Americas. Curleigh's previous position was President of Salomon North America where he built a reputation for being a brand building expert and a leader in the Winter Sports and Outdoor industry. Curleigh's creativity and energy will be invaluable in opening new avenues for the Division.

Tom Berry has been promoted to President of Salomon USA and will be responsible for all sales, marketing and strategic implementation for the world's number one mountain brand.

Jack Baltz will continue in his role as President of the USA Atomic, Oxygen, Volant, Dynamic and Koflach brands. Baltz has been President of Atomic since 1996 and has been the driving force in establishing Atomic as the world leader in skis and ski racing.

Matt Kaplan has been promoted to National Sales Manager for Suunto USA. In his first year with Suunto, Kaplan has helped engineer record sales and profits for Suunto.

Mark Taylor VP Finance and Operations for the Division and Kate Lee Director of HR and Special Projects, round out the team. Taylor is formerly with Precor while Lee was with Salomon.

Founded in 1950, Amer Sports Corporation is the world's leading sports equipment company with internationally recognized brands including Wilson, Atomic, Suunto, Precor, Salomon and Mavic. Employing more than 6,600 people worldwide, Amer Sports companies develop and manufacture technically advanced products that improve the performance of active sports participants. The Group's business is balanced by a broad portfolio of sports with a presence in all major markets.