Michele Battocchio Country Manager Helly Helsen Italy

Michele Battocchio, a manager with more than 20 years’ experience in the Italian and international sports system, is now head of Helly Helsen’s Italian branch based in La Spezia

Helly Hansen, a Norwegian brand established in 1977 founded in 1877, is one of those few outdoor class brands that can be said to truly have a global dimension.

As of Sept. 1, the Italian branch based in La Spezia was assigned to Michele Battocchio, who assumed the role of country manager. Battocchio is an industry professional with more than twenty-five years of national and international experience in the sports system, from footwear to fashion, with a particular focus on the snow and outdoor world in prestigious brands such as UYN, Garmont and Northwave.

“From a young age I have been involved in sailing and skiing on an amateur level, which I have cultivated over the years among my main personal passions,” explains the newly appointed Helly Hansen country manager. “Skiing in the Dolomites just a few miles from home and embarking as crew on transfers in sailboats allowed me to directly experience the technical leadership of Helly Hansen products on both water and snow. My joining Helly Hansen corresponds with a magical moment for the brand. The partnership with the Norwegian and Canadian national ski teams, the recent success of The Ocean Race, and the sponsorship of American Magic, the U.S. challenge to the America’s Cup, are proof of the brand’s global value and excellent future prospects.”

Michele Battocchio will assume the role of country manager for both Helly Hansen in all product categories-sailing, skiing, outdoor, and workwear-and for the British brand Musto, also a leader in the sailing industry.

“We are excited about the arrival of Michele Battocchio to head the Italian branch,” commented Carlo Bravo, sales director South Europe Helly Hansen – Musto. “His vast experience of the Italian and international sports system will help us continue the important growth that the Helly Hansen brand has experienced in recent years, strengthen the brand’s positioning in winter sports activities, and consolidate leadership in the sailing market in synergy with the Musto brand.”