Helly Hansen Appoints Arc'teryx Veteran C.J. King to Lead North American Sport Division

Helly Hansen and parent company Kontoor Brands have appointed industry veteran C.J. King as General Manager of Helly Hansen North America Sport, effective August 31, 2026. King will oversee all commercial strategy, wholesale, retail, and marketplace execution as the Norwegian technical apparel brand aims to deepen its footprint in the world's largest outdoor market.

Executive Appointment at a Glance

• Role & Focus: General Manager, Helly Hansen North America Sport (Commercial strategy & omnichannel execution)

• Effective Date: August 31, 2026

• Reporting Line: Børre Hegbom, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Helly Hansen

• Parent Entity: Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB)

A Decade of Technical Outdoor Experience

King arrives at Helly Hansen following a decade of executive leadership at technical outdoor brand Arc'teryx, bringing an extensive track record in global product strategy, merchandising, and commercial growth.

Targeting Growth in North America

Reporting directly to Børre Hegbom, King is tasked with translating Helly Hansen’s global brand heritage in skiing, sailing, and mountain performance into accelerated North American growth across both wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels.

Hegbom noted that King's proven capability in leading high-performing commercial organizations and engaging technical outdoor consumers will be instrumental in expanding the brand’s market share. By recruiting a seasoned leader directly from Arc'teryx, Helly Hansen signals a focused push to capture greater mindshare among North American outdoor enthusiasts.