Confluence Outdoor has announced new hires, propelling its focus on future innovation and new product development, in addition to furthering the investment into the Dagger brand. The company welcomes Hans Nutz as senior designer and innovation catalyst for the entire portfolio of brands. Additionally, for the Dagger brand, Adriene Levknecht and Todd Wells have both been promoted to Team Dagger managers, in the East and West respectively, managing the brand’s elite team of athletes.
Joining Confluence in a newly-created, dual design and innovation role, Hans carries extensive outdoor product and kayak design experience that further bolsters an accomplished and award-winning design team, which includes Mark “Snowy” Robertson (17 years), David Maughan (22 years), and Reid McFarlin (3 years).
“Confluence Outdoor is committed to investing in innovation and design by creating new premium product that drives demand and supports our retailers and the health of the industry,” says Todd King, vice president of marketing and product at Confluence Outdoor. “We are building a world class design team and culture, and welcome Hans back to Confluence in this new role to complement our amazing design team. Our retailers can expect plentiful and exciting new products across all Confluence brands from this experienced and empowered team.”
These investments will further strengthen all Confluence brands, fuel new product development and position the brands for continued growth, giving an indication of Confluence’s industry leadership and commitment to the future.
“I’m so excited to be here at Confluence, in this truly unique role,” says Hans Nutz, senior designer and innovation catalyst at Confluence Outdoor. “With each of the brands thriving, we are positioned perfectly to create new products and designs for every consumer, no matter what type of on-water experience they are looking for.”
There is also exciting news to report with Team Dagger, as longtime Dagger Pro Team athletes Adriene Levknecht and Todd Wells have been promoted to team manager positions. Both will also continue to compete as members of the Dagger Pro Team.
Adriene Levknecht, has been promoted to team manager of the Dagger East team. Adriene began competing at age 16 and landed her first major contract at 18 years old. Since then, she has represented the United States in two Freestyle World Championships and two Freestyle World Cups for whitewater kayaking. Heading up the Dagger West team is Washington native Todd Wells. Todd thrives in class 5 rapids and grueling expeditions, and currently holds the world record for furthest distance paddled in 24 hours, which is a stunning 287.5 miles.
For more information about the latest products and releases, please head over to www.confluenceoutdoor.com.