McKinsey Exec Tapped As New CEO
Italian sailing-inspired sportswear brand North Sails has announced the appointment of Victor Duran as its new CEO. Duran, an experienced executive with a background in sports brands, has outlined three key priorities for North Sails: enhancing product marketing, solidifying the brand’s position in various European markets, and expanding its global presence.
Duran officially assumed his role as CEO on February 24, after having previously worked at consulting firm McKinsey since 2019. Prior to that, he served as CEO of the Intersport group from 2016 to 2019. Duran’s experience in the sport apparel and equipment sector includes positions at Amer Sports and Rossignol, among others.
Vicente Castellano, president of North Sails Technology Group, expressed confidence in Duran’s ability to lead the brand’s growth and innovation, stating, “His proven success in growing brands and promoting operational excellence makes him the ideal leader to drive North Sails into its next phase of growth and innovation.”
Under Duran’s leadership, North Sails will focus on three main priorities. These include intensifying product promotion, particularly targeting the Italian market with extensive marketing campaigns planned from now until July and then from September to November. Duran also aims to prioritize Spain, France, and Germany, leveraging the brand’s presence in key locations such as El Corte Inglès and Galeries Lafayette in France.
Duran shared his excitement about collaborating with the North Sails team and Oakley Capital to strengthen the brand’s global presence. He also expressed intentions to expand North Sails in North and Latin America, as well as in Asia, Turkey, and the Middle East.