New Global Sales Structure at North Sails

Newport, RI, (July 11, 2014) – North Sails has announced that Paul Westlake has been appointed to the position of Global Head of Sales. This newly formed role is essential to sales management and organization now that North Sails in North America, Europe and New Zealand fall under common ownership.

Westlake has over 27 years of direct marine industry experience; he previously held the title of President at both Bainbridge International and at North Cloth, North Sails’ internal sail cloth division. In addition to his proven business leadership, Westlake’s on-the-water accomplishments include nine world championship titles and involvement in five America’s Cup campaigns. He is currently a sail trimmer on several high-profile race programs including the TP52 Azzurra, the Mini-Maxi Robertissima and the RC44 Bronenosec.

“Paul has been at the highest level of the sport in a variety of roles from trimming sails on the water to running day-to-day business management off the water,” said Ken Read, president of North Sails Group. “His track record for sales and customer service is unrivaled within the industry. Paul is a competitive sailor who works hard every day to improve performance on the water and brings that same mentality to the office and to our international sales staff. He is the perfect fit to head up the sales division worldwide at North Sails.”

Westlake and an international team of regional sales managers will create a laddered sales strategy to support North Sails locations and their customers worldwide. The following people have been appointed to spearhead this global sales initiative:

– Bob Lankester (Northern Europe), a 40-year industry veteran;
– Daniele Cassinari (Southern Europe), World, European and National Championship sailor;
– Kimo Worthington (North America), America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race veteran;
– America’s Cup and Grand Prix sail designer Burns Fallows (New Zealand);
– World Champion sailor Bill Fortenberry (Caribbean and Asia).

North Sails licensees remain a crucial part of North Sails’ global representation. Westlake will work closely with the nine independent licensees throughout Europe, South America, South Africa, Australia, Japan and the Caribbean.

“North Sails is committed to providing sailors with products and support that is second-to-none,” explained Westlake. “North products and the teams behind their creation are the most advanced in the sailmaking industry. It is our ambition to extend North’s market position by focusing on providing superior products and delivering exceptional service that exceed our customer’s expectations. Under common ownership and management, North Sails is now equipped with the resources to provide a seamless customer experience around the world.”

Source: Bridgid Murphy