Helen of Troy Promotes Mike Wallenfels as Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Housewares Division

June 13, 2019

Industry veteran will lead domestic and global sales for OXO and Hydro Flask in newly created role

New York, NY (June 13, 2019) – The Housewares Division of Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ, NM: HELE), home to the award-winning brands, OXO and Hydro Flask, is pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Wallenfels to the newly created divisional role of Senior Vice President of Global Sales.

Prior to this promotion, Wallenfels served as Vice President of Worldwide Sales for Hydro Flask, a leader in high-performance insulated stainless-steel flasks and soft-good innovations, since 2015. In his expanded position, Wallenfels will lead divisional sales operations for Housewares, adding OXO to his purview, a leading housewares brand known for innovative, user-centric universal design.

“Mike’s passion and experience make him a perfect addition to our exceptional and highly seasoned leadership team,” says Larry Witt, President of the Housewares Division. “I am excited to promote from within for this very important strategic position leading both OXO and Hydro Flask’s sales teams and look forward to working alongside him to further develop our domestic and global markets.”

Wallenfels will bring his nearly three decades of leadership experience guiding organizational growth in multiple channels across worldwide markets to his new global divisional role. Mike will report to Mr. Witt.

“I am excited to take on this expanded role in Housewares, developing new relationships within the OXO team while continuing Hydro Flask’s momentum and expanding both brands’ presence around the world,” said Wallenfels. “I look forward to working closely with division leadership and the talented teams across our Housewares division that make OXO and Hydro Flask market leaders.”

Wallenfels will be based out of Helen of Troy’s Housewares Division office in Bend, Oregon, where he will oversee the OXO and Hydro Flask U.S. and international sales teams, including a newly created role of Vice President of North American Sales for Hydro Flask that will manage all North American channels and top accounts.

“We’re extremely proud and delighted about Mike’s latest accomplishment, which speaks to the strength of our overall team, our collective success in growing Hydro Flask and, of course, Mike’s experience and capabilities,” says Scott Allan, Hydro Flask General Manager. “This new role is also reflective of the opportunities for both brands – Hydro Flask and OXO – to continue winning on a global basis.”

Prior to joining Hydro Flask, Wallenfels served as CEO of Timbuk2 Designs and before that, President of Mountain Hardwear and Montrail. In addition to his role on the senior leadership team for Helen of Troy Housewares Division, Wallenfels serves as the board president for the nonprofit Oregon Outdoor Alliance, and as a member of the Oregon Governor’s “Task Force for the Outdoors.” Away from the office, Mike is an avid mountain biker, skier and angler and enjoys cooking.

About OXO

For over 25 years, OXO has been globally recognized for its groundbreaking, universal design. Beginning with its iconic vegetable peeler in 1990, OXO paired innovation and purpose to create everyday tools that make the everyday living better, every day. Today, OXO makes products for use all over the home: from cooking and baking to brewing and entertaining, to cleaning and organizing, to everyday adventures with little ones. OXOnians devote their time and energy to worthy causes including Cookies for Kids Cancer. Founded by two OXOnians, CFKC raises funds for new, improved and less toxic cancer treatments and has granted over $7 million for research and treatments. Learn more about OXO and their quest to make the everyday better at  www.oxo.com. 

About Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask is the award-winning leader in high-performance insulated products from beverage and food flasks to the new Unbound Series® soft coolers. Believing that every adventure starts with two simple words: Let’s Go!, Hydro Flask creates products that facilitate an active and joyful lifestyle. Hydro Flask’s innovations showcase TempShield® double-wall vacuum insulation to lock in temperature, 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel to ensure pure taste and durable, ergonomic design for comfort and durability. Founded in 2009 in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask is committed to making tomorrow better – from using BPA-free, recyclable materials to its charitable giving program Parks For All, which supports the development, maintenance and accessibility of public green spaces so people everywhere can live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives. Learn more about Hydro Flask, Parks for All, and our mission to save the world from lukewarm at www.hydroflask.com.

About Helen of Troy Limited

Helen of Troy Limited is a leading global consumer products company offering creative solutions for its customers through a strong portfolio of well-recognized and widely-trusted brands, including OXO, Hydro Flask, Vicks, Braun, Honeywell, PUR and Hot Tools. All trademarks herein belong to Helen of Troy Limited (or its affiliates) and/or are used under license from their respective licensors.  For more information about Helen of Troy, please visit www.helenoftroy.com.

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