SKINS Compression, the leading international gradient compression sportswear brand, has appointed Johnny West as the new General Manager of North America. West’s selection to head the SKINS team is part of a corporate initiative to expand the brand within the US performance apparel marketplace. As noted by the company, ‘this shift will strengthen the brand’s presence across a number of sporting disciplines and channels, as well as increase consumer awareness of the superior quality and unique product features associated with the brand.’
West will lead the SKINS North America team and be responsible for planning and implementing strategic brand and marketing initiatives to maximize brand awareness at both the retail and consumer levels. He will drive top- and bottom-line revenue and company growth across various distribution channels throughout the United States.
West brings with him to SKINS nearly 20 years of global experience in strategic sales, marketing and branding for some of the world’s leading international sports and apparel brands. Most recently West served as Director of Brand and Sports Marketing for 2XU North America. Prior to 2XU, West held top-level sales and marketing positions with highly-recognized sports and outdoor brands, such as Prana, K2 Snowboarding, and O’Neill.
“With extensive industry experience across multi-sport segments, West will be a key player in leading our expansion efforts into crowded markets and helping SKINS rise to the top,” said Jaimie Fuller, SKINS Chairman.
“We believe that West’s marketing and branding expertise, coupled with his innate drive for success and passion for all things athletic, will enable the SKINS brand to successfully grow and position itself as the category leading compression sportswear brand-of-choice to new and existing consumers, affiliates and wholesale partners across North America. We are thrilled to have him on board.”
“When I look at the potential of the SKINS brand, the sky is the limit,” said Johnny West, General Manager of SKINS North America. “Being first to market in North America over seven years ago, with the introduction of gradient compression technology and most recently the next evolution with dynamic gradient compression, makes it an exciting time to be a part of the brand’s inevitable growth moving forward.”
West added, “I’m thrilled to be leading the charge for SKINS North America, alongside our talented staff, to maximize the endless opportunities in this category”
West holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial psychology from Drake University. With an enthusiasm for sports in general, West is also a talented skier and snowboarder, avid surfer and a newly-accomplished triathlete completing his first Ironman in 2010 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
SKINS compression wear is designed to help athletes reach their peak performance with products developed for specific sports and levels of activity. The technology-driven compression garments are specifically designed to compress muscle groups to trigger acceleration in blood flow, resulting in increased oxygen to working muscles and maximized performance.
SKINS compression wear is popularly-known to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, a key factor in promoting active recovery. ‘Whatever the sport, SKINS allows athletes to train harder, compete longer and recover faster.’
