After eighteen years at Tecnica USA, Sam Cook has taken a new position with Prince Sports as General Manager, USA & Canada, effective September 1, 2010.  Cook has been President of the Tecnica/Blizzard division of Tecnica Group USA since 2008.

In announcing this change, Peter Weaver, CEO of Tecnica Group USA, extended his appreciation and thanks to Cook for his years of service, as well as his accomplishments for the brands.  We wish Sam all the best in his new endeavor.  He has demonstrated his ability to lead not only with energy and enthusiasm, but also with innovation and insight.  He can take pride in the growth and improved market position of Tecnica, as well as the rapid growth of Blizzard in the alpine ski marketplace in recent years.  The products have distinguished themselves and the programs have become well tuned to the needs of both the retailer and the consumer.

Cook began his career with Tecnica in 1993 as the National Product Manager of Volkl Tennis, after graduating from Dartmouth College, where he captained the tennis team to its first Ivy League Championship.  During his twelve years with Volkl Tennis, Cook managed all aspects of the brand, which grew from start-up to the number four racquet brand in the US. In 2004 Cook moved into the winter sports industry as V.P. of Sales for Tecnica and Volkl and in 2007 became V.P. / General Manager of Tecnica USA.  One year later Cook was promoted to President of the Tecnica/Blizzard division of Tecnica Group USA.

 Speaking about his time at Tecnica, Cook commented, I have loved my time in the winter sports and footwear industry, and have learned immensely from the experience.  Tecnica USA is my family and I am extremely grateful for the tremendous experiences, opportunities and wonderful colleagues, with whom I have had the great fortune to work.  Both Tecnica and Blizzard are strategically positioned for continued success in winter sports and Tecnica Footwear has tremendous untapped potential.  I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to move back to my passionate roots in tennis after this great tenure at Tecnica.