Backpacker’s Pantry Hires Derek Hancock as Director of Sales

December 15, 2022

BOULDER, Colo. (December 15, 2022)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Backpacker’s Pantry, a family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, announces today the hire of Derek Hancock as its new Director of Sales. In this role, Hancock will oversee all sales initiatives, build relationships in the industry, and help chart the course for the future of the company as a member of the leadership team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Derek to the Backpacker’s Pantry family. One of the reasons we’ve been the most trusted source of gourmet adventure meals for 71 years is that we are constantly pursuing ways to improve our products and experiences for our Consumers and our Customers,” said Duane Primozich, CEO of Backpacker’s Pantry. “Adding Derek to the team enhances our ability to do both.”

Hancock brings more than 20 years of outdoor industry experience, spanning across different positions within the industry, to this role. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and began his work in the outdoor industry as a sales rep managing specialty accounts for The North Face. He later worked as a key account manager for the North Face, handling all facets of sales execution with Cabela’s and Sierra Trading Post. From there, he moved to Amer Sports and worked as a Commercial Manager – U.S for Arc’Teryx, before moving to Green River Sales where he represented Mountain Hardwear as the Midwest Territory Sales Manager.

In his most recent role as North America Sales Manager at Matador, Hancock was responsible for the wholesale aspect of the business, generating sales growth with a primary focus on the Outdoor and Travel/Luggage channels. He also managed key account growth with MEC and REI during his time at Matador.

“Everyone I know in the industry is talking about the renaissance that is currently taking place at Backpacker’s Pantry,” said Hancock. “It is rare to see a company with such a long and rich outdoor heritage so focused on continuing to produce the very best products on the market while also demonstrating remarkable leadership in environmental stewardship. I am really grateful to be a part of this team.”

Outside of work, Hancock enjoys all disciplines of skiing including alpine, backcountry and skate, mountain and road biking and trail running around the Boulder-area where he resides.

For more information on Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

About Backpacker’s Pantry

Backpacker’s Pantry is a Boulder-based, family-owned producer of gourmet adventure meals made with healthy and sustainable ingredients. Since 1951, the company has been delivering high-quality freeze-dried meals with an emphasis on taste. To give back to the community we love, the places we adventure and the planet we must protect, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day to nonprofits around the world through 1% For the Planet and is 100% solar powered. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry is sold in over 2,000 stores in North America. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.com.

About American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO. Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker’s Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods, out-of-this-world novelty treats; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

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