Kakadu Traders Australia Announces Appointment Of Vice President Of Sales

Renewed focus on expansion in North America delivers new opportunities for Australian outerwear manufacturer.

Portland, OR (I-Newswire) October 8, 2012 - It was announced this week that Kakadu Traders Australia has appointed a new Vice President of Sales for North America. Brett Parry recently took up the position after spending some time as an independent field representative for the company.

President of Kakadu’s North American operation, Jim Whillas, said the appointment ties in with their new strategy of growth to take advantage of current trends in the industry. “We feel we have a unique advantage in the way we manage our relationships with our customers and retail partners” Jim went on to explain. “The feedback we constantly get is that they appreciate our straightforward approach, and our ability to respond quickly to market trends as well as maintain classic designs over a long period of time.”

Recently, some of Kakadu’s competitors have had to make drastic cuts in their operations, much of it at the sales and customer service levels. This has left many retailers without the support they need to serve their customers. “This is where we have decided to take a different path.” Jim said. “We understand it is a tough environment out there, and it is exactly the wrong time to abandon your retail partners by cutting service. This is where we expect Brett to take up the challenge and move us forward.”

It seems it is a challenge that Brett relishes. “I have always admired the Whillas family in the way they go about their business.” he says. “Having had the pleasure of working with Kakadu in the past and, I am excited be a part of new growth and the opportunity it brings.” He went on to lay out the basic strategy. “There has been a big investment in inventory geared toward the core items in the range, as well as the incorporation of the new Gunn Wornn Concealed Carry system. We are building on this by consolidating and expanding our field representation across the US to ensure we have people in place to call on customers and service their important requirements. We are investing in new technology to provide up to date data on sales trends and using this to respond rapidly by adjusting manufacturing priorities.”

Brett’s background gives him a unique perspective on the supply side of the business. Having been a retailer himself in a past life, he understands the challenges faced at the storefront. This is perhaps where Jim sees the largest advantage. “With the day to day focus on trying to get the manufacturing side of things running smoothly, you can get lost in the details and take your eye off the indicators that provide useful information on where to fire your arrows. We know Brett can talk shop with the retailers and free up that important channel of communication”

Brett’s location is where they see another advantage. Being based in the Chicago area allows for ease of travel to all parts of the US and Canada to further support field representatives.

Kakadu has never lost its Aussie slant on its brand or the way it does business. This appointment also builds on that, as Brett himself is a native of Australia. “The fact he is a Sydney boy is just something we are going to have to live with!” Jim joked.

About Kakadu Traders Australia, Inc.

Established from working class roots in outback Australia, and with over four decades in the work wear and outerwear industries, the Kakadu brand has been manufacturing the best rugged outerwear and work wear around.