Zhik strengthen regional sales team in response to growth

Zhik strengthen regional sales team in response to growth © Zhik

Zhik, leader in technical water apparel, has strengthened its regional sales team with the appointment of Johannes Polgar as European Sales Manager, Josh Toso as North American Sales & Growth Marketeer and Tristan Walker-Hutt as UK & Ireland Sales and Product Manager.

Zhik CEO Mat Belcher said, "We have seen unprecedented growth globally over the last few years, and I am confident that Johannes, Josh and Tristan are best placed to support our dealers and distributors across the regions, as we continue to push this trajectory."

German Olympic sailor Johannes said of his new role, "I am enthusiastic about inspiring customers, dealers and distributors to deepen their connection with the Zhik brand." Fresh from winning the German Offshore Nationals, Olympic sailor Johannes has been with Zhik throughout his sailing career, and has over 15 years leading European sales for the likes of automotive giants Audi and BMW/Mini behind him.

Tristan Walker-Hutt, who has been working with Zhik for over 10 years, and is a double European Champion in his own right, takes on a new role, responsible for the brand's growth in the UK and Ireland, alongside becoming Global Product Manager.

Tristan said, "I have built a true affinity with the Zhik brand over its 20 year history. This new role will allow a tailored approach to core and new accounts, developing an already strong retail network. For me this is the next step in what has been a 20-year journey and I'm looking forward to working with established and new partners around the UK, Ireland and rest of the world, to bring Zhik's cutting edge gear to all who love the water."

Josh Toso, veteran of the USA sailing community, will dedicate his 20 years of expertise heading up marketing efforts for some of the largest sailboat manufacturers and distributors in North America, to driving growth across the USA markets for Zhik.

Zhik has a long history in Olympic sailing, and with the 2028 Olympics being hosted in the USA's home waters, the brand looks forward to leveraging Josh's strong relationships within the Olympic community, and supporting our US Olympic hopefuls as they prepare for the Games, too.

Josh commented, "I am hugely excited to join the Zhik team, continuing to support the community and sport that I love so much. I have long admired the Zhik brand and look forward to supporting the dealer network in North America, helping their local business grow to better support their regional sailors."

Josh will be headquartered at Zhik USA's new location on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI, and will be supporting all dealers from the Rockies east, and throughout the country.