Puffin Drinkwear announced that Tory Upham will be the company’s next CEO.
Upham will succeed Interim CEO Scott Allan. In a news release, Puffin said Upham was selected for his accomplishments as an experienced executive leader in the sporting goods, outdoor, and action sports industry.
“With over 20 years as a hands-on operator, Upham is skilled in implementing process, scaling, and leading global brands through periods of high-growth,” Puffin said in a release. “Upham brings a deep understanding of executing best-in-class product innovation, go-to-market strategies, and operational excellence.”
Upham was the president of CushCore and Kreft Moto, sister companies who design and manufacture products for two-wheel enthusiasts. Upham successfully revised the product development process and go-to-market strategy, including the launch of new product innovations, streamlining the sourcing process, and achieving product margin gains, according to Puffin, which is based in Bend, Oregon.
“We’re thrilled to have Tory joining our team,” said Tyrone Hazen, founder of Puffin Drinkwear, in a news release. “With his previous experience as a leader in the outdoor, sporting, and action sports industry as well as being business savvy, he is the ideal candidate to take Puffin Drinkwear to the next level.”
Puffin Drinkwear also recently ranked No. 131 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, an annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
The company has seen accelerated growth over the past several years, seeing a 3,752% growth in three years, while expanding its product offerings with more than 100 designs.
The company also closed a Series A fundraising round for an undisclosed sum earlier this year.
Puffin Drinkwear launched in 2018 and is sold at over 4,500 stores throughout the United States and Canada, including R.E.I, Bass Pro Shops, L.L. Bean, Williams Sonoma, and Public Lands.