International sales management functions have been reshuffled within the Finnish L-Fashion Group to sustain the growth in the revenues of its sports division, which are expected to reach €70 million next year, up from €52 million in 2005 and €60 million in 2006. Total revenues have been rather stable in the past couple of years at about €160 million.
As reported the group has finally decided to set up its own sales subsidiary in Russia, where it has a long history. Keni Luhtanen, a member of the family that owns the company, has been chosen as its managing director. He was previously export manager of the group for Scandinavia, the Baltic countries and Russia.
Juha Luhtanen, who was formerly brand manager for Luhta and Skila, will now be responsible for sales of these two group brands and for two others – Rukka and Icepeak. He will be in charge of development for Skila, but he will be aided in this task by a designer, Paulina Alanko. Panu Suominen, who comes of the fashion division of the group, will take over brand management for Luhta, while Hannu Malinen will remain in charge of Luhta golfwear and Rukka motorcycle and golf clothing.
Juha Luhtanen will oversee a team of area sales managers whose functions have been redefined. In particular, Timo Valve, who was responsible for sales in France, Belgium, Holland, the UK, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, where sales have increased nicely, will now concentrate on the development of new sales organizations in the UK and in Sweden.
Pasi Luumi will continue to handle Finland, and Rainer Thiesies Germany, Austria and Slovenia. Juha Luhtanen himself will be responsible for the rest of the European Union, Norway, Switzerland and the Baltic countries. Marja Peitso will coordinate importers and overseas regions.
