As the new General Manager for Central Europe, Bernhard Leichtfriedis tasked with expanding the presence of the Slovenian ski brand in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Elan, the Slovenian-based ski manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Bernhard Leichtfried as the new General Manager of Elan Central Europe, overseeing operations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Leichtfried, who joined Elan Headquarters in September 2024 as Sales and Marketing Director, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Sport 2000 and Fischer Sports GmbH.
Leichtfried’s background includes leading international sales and marketing strategies across Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy. At Fischer Sports, he managed product, sales and marketing strategies for alpine ski boots.
“I am excited to take on this new role and look forward to working with the exceptional team of Elan Central Europe on the growth of our brand,” said Leichtfried. “We aim to strengthen collaborations with our existing retail partners and open new doors with the best possible service and high-quality products.”
Recently Elan´s owner KJK Sports S.A. appointed Melanja Korošec as new Senior Vice President for KJK.
Leichtfried succeeds Marc Hasenstein, who is stepping down after eight successful years. Hasenstein played a pivotal role in driving Elan’s growth and solidifying its presence in Central Europe. He will remain with the company for the next two months to ensure a seamless transition. Elan expressed gratitude for Hasenstein’s contributions and wished him success in his future endeavors.
In addition to his role as General Manager, Leichtfried will lead the International Key Account Management Team.
Elan, with 80 years of ski manufacturing experience, is committed to sustainability and innovation. The company operates a single production facility powered entirely by renewable energy, reflecting its dedication to environmental responsibility and superior product quality.
