Jörn Steffens

I shall overview the product offering and new projects, give guidance to the designers, developers and manufacturers for ensuring that O’Neal product will become more innovative over time – while always keeping in mind the positioning of the brand.

Appointed to provide specialist product design, project management and development skills required to maintain the industry leading role of the company by providing technological innovation and translating it into commercial reality with new products. The role is in principle home based (Barcelona, Spain), however substantial time is spent with manufacturers and suppliers in China and other locations globally.

Appointed to lead the Sports Group’s procurement division across all product categories for UVEX and ALPINA. Latterly involved in design and development of winter sports equipment by managing the cooperation with an external design office which introduced a new design language to the ski helmet range. Based Fürth, Germany

Headhunted on directive from the owner of the company to champion recovery of its underperforming motorcycle helmet product line. Based Fürth, Germany o Conducted initial direct market approaches with the legacy products, establishing interest and traction. o Following the Group’s decision to close its motorcycle division and focus on core products in winter sports and bicycle mitigated losses by extracting maximum value for inventory items. Ensured smooth closure of the division.

o Provided end-to-end global solutions for motorsports, snowsports, mountaineering, outdoor and other sports. o Created and managed a multi-disciplinary team of key account managers, designers and technicians. o Set up MAT Group Asia organisation for production support and quality control.

Strengthened the Group’s portfolio by successfully working with leading outdoor, snowsports, motorsports, apparel and helmet brands. Provided innovative, bespoke solutions for customers, including design, development and industrialisation. Diversified the client base away from a Spanish-centric portfolio.

Development, manufacturing and marketing of personal protective equipment. Retained by the Body Protection Division to grow the business outside motorsports (snowsports, cycling, horse-riding etc), and strengthen links with manufacturers and brands in Asia and the USA. Based Cologne.

Global motorcycle clothing and accessories brands, with design, manufacture and distribution capability. Hired to manage global products of Hein Gericke Deutschland GmbH for Europe and Fairchild Sports for the USA. Restructured product management, design, development and sourcing in order to establish a truly international organisation. Based Duesseldorf, Germany/Tustin (Orange County, California, USA)