Atomic Strengthens North America Leadership Team with New Structure and Promotions

Atomic, the alpine ski brand sitting within Amer Sports' Outdoor Winter Equipment portfolio, has unveiled a new North America leadership structure, effective today, aimed at deepening the brand's connections with skiers, retailers, reps, and key accounts across the region.

The centerpiece of the restructure is the promotion of Sean Kennedy to General Manager, North America. Kennedy has been with Atomic for over 12 years, most recently serving as Marketing Director for North America. In his new role, he will lead Atomic's North American organization through what the brand is calling its "next phase of growth," reporting directly to Christian Haitzmann, VP of Commercial — a reporting line designed to align regional omni-channel execution more closely with Atomic's global commercial organization.

"Atomic has built incredible momentum in North America by staying close to the people who shape the sport — our retailers, athletes, reps, partners and the skiing community itself," said Kennedy. "After more than a decade with the brand, I'm excited to help lead this next phase of growth by strengthening those relationships even further and ensuring we continue delivering the innovation, service and authenticity that skiers across North America expect from Atomic."

A Team Built for Deeper Regional Execution

Alongside Kennedy's promotion, the new structure introduces several other key appointments.

• Jake Strassburger steps into the newly created role of Director, Commercial and Product, North America — a dedicated position designed to strengthen the bridge between North American product needs and Atomic's global headquarters.

• Kate Stephanson has assumed the role of Director of Operations, North America, bringing 25 years of Amer Sports experience to the position. Stephanson is expected to provide the operational leadership required as Atomic continues to sharpen its execution and service delivery across the region.

• Atomic is also investing in dedicated director-level sales and marketing leadership for both the U.S. and Canada — a move the brand says reflects a commitment to stronger local execution, closer retailer relationships, and tighter coordination between global strategy and local market teams.

• Meanwhile, Blair Blackie, who has served as Canadian Market Director, is relocating to Austria to take on a broader international role as Director, Omni-Channel Sales and Marketing, EMEA.

A Strategic Vote of Confidence in North America

Atomic President Wolfgang Mayrhofer framed the leadership changes as a deliberate long-term investment.

"North America is a critical market for Atomic and a key part of our long-term growth ambition," Mayrhofer said. "This new leadership structure gives us greater focus, clearer accountability and stronger connection to the needs of skiers, retailers and partners across the region. Sean is a highly respected leader with deep knowledge of Atomic, the industry, and the North American market. Together with Jake, Kate and the new sales and marketing directors for the U.S. and Canada, we are investing in the next phase of Atomic's success in North America."

The structural changes signal that Atomic, long regarded as one of the premier forces in alpine ski equipment, is doubling down on its North American ambitions at a moment when the outdoor and winter sports industry continues to see sustained consumer demand.