Hydro Flask, an award-winning leader in high-performance, insulated stainless steel flasks and soft good innovations and a Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ, NM: HELE) brand, is excited to announce three new additions to its leadership team. Jay Wilkins joins Hydro Flask as Vice President of Product Development, and David Brown will serve as the North American Sales Director across all categories. Expanding Hydro Flask’s presence in the European market, Kit Ha will serve as Director of Marketing, EMEA for Helen of Troy’s Housewares Division, which includes the Hydro Flask and OXO brands.
“Jay, David and Kit each bring an extensive foundation of strategic leadership experience to the Hydro Flask brand and our division,” said Larry Witt, President of Housewares at Helen of Troy. “We are thrilled to welcome them to the team and believe their talents will be integral in driving Hydro Flask’s continued growth as a global lifestyle outdoor brand.”
As Vice President of Product Development, Jay Wilkins will direct his team in evolving global multi-category product roadmaps, further solidify category-leading positions and develop strategies to extend Hydro Flask into new outdoor categories. Wilkins brings a depth of experience in strategic business development that includes nearly a decade at Nike where he served as Global GM of Nike iD and Category Footwear Leader for Men’s Training, among other roles. Prior to joining Hydro Flask, Wilkins was named Senior Vice President of National Accounts for Coffee Bean International before consulting on behalf of a number of global lifestyle brands, including Hydro Flask’s customization line. Wilkins founded and sold a successful e-commerce business early in his career and also served as an Aviation Officer in the U.S. Army, commanding an AH-64 Attack Helicopter Troop. Wilkins holds an MBA degree from Harvard Business School.
David Brown’s veteran career spans senior sales leadership roles across Nike’s athletic specialty, emerging markets and running divisions, finally serving as Vice President of Global Merchandising for Brand Jordan. Since departing Nike in 2015, Brown has consulted for a variety of brands within footwear and outdoor apparel. As North American Sales Director, Brown will lead a cross-functional team to drive and manage strategies for continued growth across Hydro Flask’s sport and outdoor, food and beverage, military, collegiate and other channels.
Kit Ha brings to her new position global experience in media, sports and retail brand marketing, including roles with Adidas and Reebok. Most recently, Ha served as head of marketing for Swiss sports apparel brand OLDO, following a twenty-year career in Hong Kong. As Director of Marketing, EMEA, Ha will oversee integrated marketing planning and execution within the region for the Hydro Flask and OXO brands that comprise Helen of Troy’s Housewares Division. Ha will be based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“Kit brings a solid marketing background in the sport and outdoor industry,” said David Ledouble, Managing Director, EMEA. “Thanks to her expertise, we will be able to better deploy our marketing strategies across the region and establish Hydro Flask as the leading brand in hydration in the hearts and minds of EMEA consumers.”
Dedicated to uniquely refreshing experiences, innovative design and an unparalleled user experience, Hydro Flask continues to receive accolades for its insulated products. Hydro Flask has been the recipient of several Red Dot, GOOD DESIGN™ and iF Design Awards. The brand has grown to become the number one overall American water bottle brand in Sporting Goods and Outdoor, according to third party data.
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About Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask® is the leader in high-performance insulated products that help people enjoy the things they love to do in the places they love to be. From the number one-selling water bottle to soft good innovations like our Unbound Series™ Soft Coolers and Down Shift™ Series Hydration Packs, Hydro Flask’s delightfully simple designs and go-anywhere durability always deliver the perfect temperature when you need it. Founded in 2009 in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask inspires active outdoor lives with two simple words: Let’s Go! Its charitable arm, Parks For All, supports the development, maintenance, restoration and accessibility of public green spaces so people everywhere can live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives. To learn more about Hydro Flask, Parks for All, and to see our full lineup of award-winning products, visit www.hydroflask.com.
About Helen of Troy Limited
Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ: HELE) is a leading global consumer products company offering creative solutions for its customers through a strong portfolio of well-recognized and widely-trusted brands, including OXO, Hydro Flask, Vicks, Braun, Honeywell, PUR, Hot Tools and Drybar. We sometimes refer to these brands as our Leadership Brands. All trademarks herein belong to Helen of Troy Limited (or its subsidiaries) and/or are used under license from their respective licensors.
For more information about Helen of Troy, please visit https://investor.hotus.com/.
