Osprey Europe appoints Jonathan Petty as managing director

By

Sarah Ahssen

Published
Jan 29, 2019

Osprey Europe has announced the promotion of marketing director Jonathan Petty to the role of managing director. The Patagonia and Salomon alum succeeds Rob Wylie, who founded Osprey Europe, which now distributes the American brand's backpacks in some 30 countries, in 2003.The appointment comes as parent company Osprey Packs finalizes its acquisition of Osprey Europe Ltd. 

"Rob Wylie is at the origin of the brand and its success, a success which has earned it the title of number one backpack brand in Europe, quite a remarkable performance. The 
legacy that he is leaving behind him is enormous," declared Layne Rigney, president of Osprey Packs Inc., in a release. 
 
Rob Wylie and Jonathan Petty will work together over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition, with Petty taking over his new responsibilities from April 1, 2019. 

Osprey has also announced three other appointments. Currently the brand's sales director, Tom Entwistle will now become vice president of sales and product for Osprey's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

Having previously worked at The North Face and Wolverine, Luke Barton will be joining Osprey's sales team to take over as sales director.

And finally, Christoph Schwer has been appointed sales director for Germany, joining Osprey after eight years at Columbia Sportswear.