Terry Stephenson
A former Berghaus and adidas marketing man will look after communications and marketing for Britain’s outdoor trade body.
Terry Stephenson will join the Outdoor Industries Association from Visit County Durham where he held a similar position.
The appointment follows the OIA move from Edinburgh to Windermere, with the subsequent redundancies of two staff.
Mr Stephenson will take up his post in May, joining chief executive Andrew Denton at the Cumbria office.
Outdoor enthusiast Mr Stephenson said: “This is a very exciting and challenging opportunity for me.
“I am really looking forward to working with Andrew, the OIA board and association members to build on recent successes and momentum.
“The association’s role is more important than ever and I share its ambitious goals. I will use my own passion and experience in the outdoor and tourism sectors to support and build the OIA’s membership, and I look forward to developing new marketing initiatives for the association and the wider industry.”
The OIA, which represents a variety of companies, organisations and individuals in the British outdoor industry, said Mr Stephenson is joining the association at a key stage in the organisation’s development.
A spokesperson said: “The first part of 2012 has seen the OIA make progress on several fronts: it has launched the independent outdoor professional membership category with the support of Cameron McNeish; lobbying activity has increased at a national level; there has been a focus on providing enhanced membership services and benefits; a very successful AGM and conference was held in March; and earlier this month the association opened its new office in Windermere.
“As a result of this, and other, work, the OIA has attracted over 40 new members during the last six months.”
Chief executive Andrew Denton added: “I am delighted to welcome Terry to the OIA team.
“His career to date has given him really strong knowledge of both marketing and the outdoor industry and he is full of enthusiasm and good ideas.
“Terry offers exactly the dynamism that the association needs and I am looking forward to his contributions to our growing and varied programme.”
- grough is a member of the OIA.
