ODLO names Daniel Eppler as new company CEO

(Tuesday November 22, 2022 - Hünenberg, Switzerland) - This morning, ODLO and its parent company, Monte Rosa Sport, which includes the ODLO, Henri-Lloyd and Janus brands, named Daniel Eppler as both the new CEO of ODLO and Monte Rosa Sport.

Joining from Nike where he is currently Vice President of Sales and Partner Management for Nike’s EMEA business, Daniel is a Swiss executive with more than 20 years of apparel experience. He takes over from Knut Are Høgberg, ODLO’s leader since 2018.

“I‘m thrilled to join a strong team leading three authentic brands, all with a proven track record of material product innovation that are also predominantly produced in Europe,” Eppler explained.

Knut Are Høgberg joined ODLO in 2015, serving as COO until 2018 when he was named CEO, leading the company through its change of ownership in 2020. Under his guidance, the company substantially strengthened its financial performance, investing in people and infrastructure that has left the company well positioned for the future. He now leaves a healthy and growing business behind.  

“It’s been a genuine privilege to lead ODLO. I am so proud of what the team has achieved. We now have a successful business, a beloved brand and strong momentum for the future,” said Knut Are Høgberg.

“We would like to thank Knut Are for his efforts and leadership in taking ODLO from a challenging position to a strong performing and financially solid business,” added Hugo Maurstad, Chairman of the Board of Monte Rosa Sport – majority owner of ODLO. “Steady improvements in cost effectiveness, gross margins, a more focused product portfolio and geographic scope have proven successful. We now have a solid platform for further growth.”

He continues: “Daniel now takes over ODLO, Janus and Henri-Lloyd. His background, competence and network built from working two decades with Nike in European markets have prepared him well for this leadership challenge. We have exciting brands and great opportunities ahead.”

About Janus

Janus’ history started in 1895 and is Norway's largest and oldest manufacturer of wool underwear. Janus is the only remaining company that produces wool products on a large scale in Norway, and still operates in the same factory at Espeland in Bergen. Janus is known for producing high-quality wool products for children and adults, both for the consumer market and for industrial businesses.

About Henri-Lloyd

The British sailing brand Henri-Lloyd was founded by Henri Strzelecki who set out on his journey sixty years ago to create the world’s best and most durable waterproof clothing. A visionary whose ideas were matched by his determination; Strzelecki created several world-firsts within technical clothing that have today become industry standards. These innovations have helped Henri-Lloyd enjoy an unrivalled worldwide reputation for quality.