Hall of Famer Klaus Obermeyer Makes Leadership Transition; Sport Obermeyer Plans Major Evolution

ASPEN, COLORADO (June 3, 2025) – Klaus Obermeyer, the 105-year-old snowsports industry icon and member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame, announced he will remain an active Board member and President of Sport Obermeyer, the company he founded in 1947. The new CEO will be Kris Kuster, formerly of Mammut Sports Group AG and X-Bionic, and he will be part of the drive to turn Sport Obermeyer into a year-round, premium outdoor sports company

“For over 75 years, my passion has been helping people and families experience the joy of the mountains through thoughtfully designed gear,” said Klaus Obermeyer. “As we look to the future, it’s time for fresh leadership to carry that mission forward. Kris understands our heritage, shares our love for the outdoors, and brings the vision and experience to lead Obermeyer into its next great chapter.”

Kuster brings a sharp focus on operational excellence and forward-thinking strategy to the 78 year-old mountain lifestyle brand. He will be announcing a bold new direction for the brand in the coming weeks, according to a release from the company.

Obermeyer also announced that Kalin Tegman has been promoted to Director of Sales, infusing deep industry experience and customer-centric leadership, and Lilly McSwain has been named Customer Service Manager, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to best-in-class client relationships and service.

With a refreshed leadership team in place, Obermeyer is undertaking a bold evolution — from a legacy, winter sports brand to a year-round, premium outdoor sports company. Launching in Spring/Summer 2026, the brand will unveil a new direction led by two specialty capsules focused on the female outdoor participant as well as a strategically positioned everyday collection — each designed to merge Obermeyer’s deep alpine heritage with fresh, modern utility and outdoor lifestyle appeal.

“This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Obermeyer,” Kuster said. “Our team is energized to build on our incredible legacy while expanding our relevance across seasons, categories, and consumer segments — with a renewed focus on women and innovation. We’re investing in the future, and our commitment to premium design and performance has never been stronger.”

As part of navigating today’s volatile trade and manufacturing landscape, Obermeyer will be implementing a slight price increase on some products coming Fall/Winter 2025, to offset recent government-imposed tariffs.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Kuster added. “Tariffs have placed new financial strain on U.S. companies like ours that rely on global supply chains. These adjustments allow us to continue delivering quality without compromising the integrity or innovation of our product.”

Klaus Obermeyer was part of the Class of 2020 of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.