Elan Group announces that Leon Korošec has stepped down as Director of its Sports Division.

In a major leadership transition for one of the winter sports industry's most historic manufacturers, Elan Group announced on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, that Leon Korošec has stepped down as Director of its Sports Division.

Korošec is concluding a nearly 25-year tenure with the Slovenian ski and snowboard manufacturer to transition into public service. He has accepted a prestigious appointment as State Secretary in Slovenia’s Ministry of the Economy, Labor, and Sport.

To ensure immediate operational continuity, Elan has tapped Global Sales Director Žiga Schmidt to serve as the interim director of the sports division.

Honoring a 25-Year Legacy of Innovation

Korošec first joined Elan in the early 2000s, steadily rising through the corporate ranks before taking the helm of the vital sports division in 2016. Concurrently serving as Vice President of the Elan Group, Korošec oversaw a pivotal era of modernization for the brand, which is world-renowned for pioneering game-changing ski technologies like deep sidecuts and the Amphibio asymmetrical rocker profile.

In an official statement published on LinkedIn, Elan Group expressed deep gratitude for Korošec’s decades of brand stewardship:

"During his long-standing career at Elan as Vice President of Elan Group and Director of Elan Sports Division, Leon has played an important role in strengthening our business, international presence, and the Elan brand worldwide."

Global Sales Veteran Steps into Leadership

Interim director Žiga Schmidt steps into the role with an intimate understanding of Elan's current market strategy and distribution networks. Schmidt has served as the company’s Global Sales Director since October 2025.

Prior to entering the winter sports apparatus sector, Schmidt built a strong executive profile in the technology and logistics sector, notably serving as a member of the management board at Direct4.me, an innovative international smart parcel locker and delivery network platform.

"Building on his experience as Global Sales Director, Žiga will lead the division, ensuring continuity in executing our key priorities and ongoing development initiatives," Elan noted in its leadership announcement. "We wish Žiga all the best in his new role and look forward to the continued success of the Elan Sports Division."

A Smooth Handoff

Reflecting on his new appointment, Schmidt expressed optimism for the future while paying tribute to his predecessor's groundwork.

"I’m grateful for the trust and opportunity to take on the interim leadership of Elan Sports Division," Schmidt shared via LinkedIn. "A sincere thank you to Leon Korošec for his leadership, dedication, and the strong foundation he has helped build over many years. I’m excited for what the future brings, together with the Elan team, our partners, and everyone who believes in this amazing brand."

The executive shift comes during the peak summer production cycle as Elan finalizes the global distribution of its 2026/27 winter equipment catalog to retail partners worldwide.