Bauer Hockey Welcomes Gillian Meek as New Executive VP and General Manager
Bauer Hockey Appoints Gillian Meek as EVP and General Manager
In a significant move for the sports equipment industry, Bauer Hockey has officially announced the appointment of Gillian Meek as the new Executive Vice President and General Manager. This decision marks a pivotal moment for Bauer, a leading name in hockey equipment and the number one brand in the game. Gillian's extensive background in global brand management and leadership positions her well to steer Bauer into its next chapter of innovation and growth.
Gillian Meek joins Bauer with over two decades of experience across various industries, having previously served as the CEO of Kamik Canada, Inc. There, she excelled in building a robust executive leadership team amidst a new ownership structure and crafted a growth strategy focused on consumer engagement, marketing outreach, and efficient distribution channels. Her impressive track record also includes her role as the Global President of Keds, where she successfully turned around the brand's fortunes, steering profitability and expanding its international footprint significantly.
Ed Kinnaly, CEO of Peak Achievement Athletics (the parent company of Bauer Hockey), praised Meek's appointment, stating, "Gillian brings a unique blend of leadership skills and consumer-oriented values that are crucial to Bauer Hockey’s identity. Her experience and vision will be invaluable as we look toward the future."
Upon her appointment, Gillian expressed her excitement about joining Bauer, saying, "It's an honor and privilege to join such an iconic brand and company that's been driving performance and elevating protection for almost 100 years. I'm looking forward to building on this success and commitment to our athletes with the Bauer team as we continue to drive innovation through our brand, R&D, product, and marketing." Her commitment to athlete-first strategies signifies a promising direction for the brand.
Gillian earned an MBA from Babson College and completed her undergraduate studies in finance and economics at Western University, which underscores her strong business acumen. Starting her role on September 2, Gillian will work from Bauer Hockey's corporate office in Exeter, New Hampshire.
The Legacy of Bauer Hockey
Founded in 1927 in Kitchener, Ontario, Bauer Hockey is revered as the world's most recognized designer, marketer, and manufacturer of hockey equipment. The brand revolutionized the game with its innovative designs, including the first skate that featured a blade attached to a boot. Bauer's product lines, such as SUPREME®, VAPOR®, and NEXUS®, are among the most coveted in the hockey industry, continuously setting high standards for performance and quality.
As Bauer Hockey embarks on this new journey under Gillian Meek's leadership, the focus on innovation and athlete-centric strategies is expected to drive the brand further into success, reinforcing its position at the forefront of the hockey equipment market.