Black Diamond Announces Alex Maerz Taking Over As GM For Europe, Middle East And Africa Region

Black Diamond announces that Alex Maerz is taking over the position of General Manager for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region on 1st April 2025.

Maerz is joining Black Diamond Europe from Hanwag, the long-established mountain and trekking shoe manufacturer, and brings with him many years of industry expertise and extensive leadership experience.

Alex Maerz has over 25 years of experience in the sporting goods industry. Most recently, he served as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Hanwag, where he played a key role in the strategic development of the brand and its successful international expansion. At Black Diamond, Maerz will assume responsibility for the entire EMEA region and further expand the brand’s presence in core markets.

“We are delighted to welcome Alex Maerz, an experienced leader with a deep understanding of the outdoor industry, to our team,” says Neil Fiske, President of Black Diamond Equipment. “His strategic vision, international expertise and passion for innovative products are a perfect fit for our brand and our goals. In addition, Alex is the right person for our team in Europe, which already includes many dedicated and talented employees. I would like to thank Markus Griesser (Senior Finance and Operations Director Europe) and Jonathan Hilborn (Commercial Director Europe) for their commitment over the past few months during this leadership transition and look forward to continuing to work with the team.”

Alex Maerz adds, “Black Diamond stands for the highest quality, innovation and a strong corporate culture. I look forward to further developing the brand together with a highly motivated team and strengthening its position in European markets.”

Maerz embodies a passion for the outdoors, whether it’s skiing, swimming, cycling, climbing or hiking with his family in the mountains. As one of the leading climbing and outdoor brands, Black Diamond is filling an important key role for the successful future of the brand in Europe. With a focus on sales, service, innovation and sustainability, he will continue to advance Black Diamond together with the European team in Innsbruck.

Black Diamond would like to thank the previous General Manager for the successful collaboration and wishes Alex Maerz every success in his new role.