Hydro Flask Expands Leadership Team With Three Key Hires

Hydro Flask,  is excited to announce three new additions to its leadership team. Jay Wilkins joins Hydro Flask as Vice President of Product Development, and David Brown will serve as the North American Sales Director across all categories. Expanding Hydro Flask’s presence in the European market, Kit Ha will serve as Director of Marketing, EMEA for Helen of Troy’s Housewares Division, which includes the Hydro Flask and OXO brands.

“Jay, David and Kit each bring an extensive foundation of strategic leadership experience to the Hydro Flask brand and our division,” said Larry Witt, President of Housewares at Helen of Troy. “We are thrilled to welcome them to the team and believe their talents will be integral in driving Hydro Flask’s continued growth as a global lifestyle outdoor brand.”

As Vice President of Product Development, Jay Wilkins will direct his team in evolving global multi-category product roadmaps, further solidify category-leading positions and develop strategies to extend Hydro Flask into new outdoor categories. Wilkins brings a depth of experience in strategic business development that includes nearly a decade at Nike where he served as Global GM of Nike iD and Category Footwear Leader for Men’s Training, among other roles. Prior to joining Hydro Flask, Wilkins was named Senior Vice President of National Accounts for Coffee Bean International before consulting on behalf of a number of global lifestyle brands, including Hydro Flask’s customization line. Wilkins founded and sold a successful e-commerce business early in his career and also served as an Aviation Officer in the U.S. Army, commanding an AH-64 Attack Helicopter Troop. Wilkins holds an MBA degree from Harvard Business School.

David Brown’s veteran career spans senior sales leadership roles across Nike’s athletic specialty, emerging markets and running divisions, finally serving as Vice President of Global Merchandising for Brand Jordan. Since departing Nike in 2015, Brown has consulted for a variety of brands within footwear and outdoor apparel. As North American Sales Director, Brown will lead a cross-functional team to drive and manage strategies for continued growth across Hydro Flask’s sport and outdoor, food and beverage, military, collegiate and other channels.  

Kit Ha brings to her new position global experience in media, sports and retail brand marketing, including roles with Adidas and Reebok. Most recently, Ha served as head of marketing for Swiss sports apparel brand OLDO, following a twenty-year career in Hong Kong. As Director of Marketing, EMEA, Ha will oversee integrated marketing planning and execution within the region for the Hydro Flask and OXO brands that comprise Helen of Troy’s Housewares Division. Ha will be based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“Kit brings a solid marketing background in the sport and outdoor industry,” said David Ledouble, Managing Director, EMEA. “Thanks to her expertise, we will be able to better deploy our marketing strategies across the region and establish Hydro Flask as the leading brand in hydration in the hearts and minds of EMEA consumers.”