Hi-Tec Sports Names Brad Gebhard CEO of its USA Subsidiary

(Portland, OR) – Hi-Tec Sports, the global sports and outdoor company, today announced the appointment of Brad Gebhard as CEO of its United States of America (US) subsidiary. He will be leading the Amsterdam, Netherlands-based company’s two brands in the US market, Hi-Tec Sports USA and Magnum USA. His appointment is effective immediately. 

 “Hi-Tec and Magnum are well-established global brands with an authentic and valuable heritage spanning 35 years. The US is the single biggest growth opportunity for both Hi-Tec and Magnum, and we are extremely pleased to have Brad take the helm in this new role,” said Ed van Wezel, Global CEO of Hi-Tec Sports.

Gebhard will set the US strategic vision by working with existing customers and attracting new channels of distribution with the help of compelling new product designs. He will also be responsible for directing the company’s strategic marketing campaigns, reporting to van Wezel.  He will be based at the Portland, Oregon Hi-Tec Sports USA headquarters.

Bill Berta will continue to direct Hi-Tec Sports’ US business.  He will now report to Gebhard.  Bob Kaiser, CEO of Magnum, has left the company by mutual consent to pursue other opportunities.

"While we are sorry to see Bob leave, we appreciate his contributions to the company and wish him all the best in his new endeavors," said van Wezel. “We have a strong team of individuals who have contributed greatly to the momentum and success of our US subsidiaries, and we are confident that this targeted US focus will be one of the growth drivers for the company.”

About Hi-Tec Sports 

Founded in 1974 by company Chairman Frank van Wezel, and with annual sales exceeding $250 million, Hi-Tec created the lightweight hiking category with the introduction of the Sierra Sneaker and Sierra Lite hiking boot. Today, Hi-Tec remains true to its heritage, offering technical footwear and apparel for outdoor adventure. With over three decades of product and performance technology innovation, Hi-Tec is committed to making rugged, durable products for work, trails and life, authentically inspired by the real outdoor experience.

Hi-Tec Sports USA is a subsidiary of Hi-Tec Sports, PLC, Amsterdam, Holland. Hi-Tec products are sold in over 70 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.Hi-Tec.com and follow us on Facebook Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest. 

About Magnum 
Since 1982, Magnum has been providing high-performance tactical and service product with credibility second to none. It is the mission of Magnum to be the best in class by delivering unsurpassed product designed for its end user. Distributed in over 100 countries, Magnum attacks the marketplace with unmatched comfort, technology and value in uniform footwear and apparel used by law enforcement, military, fire/rescue, emergency medical, and service agencies around the world. For more information, visit us online at www.magnumboots.com, and follow us at www.facebook.com/magnumbootsand www.twitter.com/magnumbootsusa.