Black Diamond Equipment has named Sven Hana as its new European sales general manager. This move supports the company’s plan to grow its presence in Europe’s expanding outdoor and climbing market.
This appointment underscores Europe’s importance to Black Diamond’s long-term growth, especially as the region leads the world in climbing and mountain sports.
Sven Hana will join the European leadership team and manage the DACH region, covering Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He will work with Thiébaut Kempf, who leads sales in Southern Europe, and Anja Jessl, who oversees sales in Eastern Europe and the Nordic countries.
The company says this appointment will help build stronger relationships with retailers, improve efficiency, and support long-term sales growth in several European markets.
Sven Hana has a strong background in outdoor sports, lifestyle retail, sales management, and business development. He has worked with well-known brands like Triumph Group, Van de Velde, Icebreaker, Roeckl Handschuhe & Accessoires, and Houdini Sportswear.
Most recently, he spent almost ten years at Houdini Sportswear as senior director of sales, marketplaces, and business development. There, he led multichannel sales strategies and helped the brand grow across Europe.
Jonathan Hilborn, Black Diamond’s managing director for Europe, says the company will focus on working more closely with retail and distribution partners, improving seasonal planning, and refining its product strategy for both equipment and apparel.
The brand also intends to strengthen the connection between its technical climbing equipment business and its growing apparel segment. By combining equipment and clothing solutions, the company hopes to encourage retailers to invest in broader product offerings while increasing customer engagement.
Well-known products like the Camalot continue to play a key role in building the company’s reputation among climbers and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.
In addition to growing sales, Black Diamond is investing in better retail performance and operations in key European markets, especially in the Alpine region. The company also maintains consistent pricing to protect its premium brand and support its wholesale partners in the long term.
Founded between Salt Lake City and Innsbruck, Black Diamond is now a leading name in outdoor sports equipment, offering products for climbing, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, and trail running.
The company is also known for its sustainability efforts and support for environmental organizations around the world. Today, the brand works with over 300 athletes and outdoor professionals in international markets.
