A EXPERIENCED executive is being sought to drive the latest growth plans of a firm that began life selling practical clothing for climbers from a North-East shop.

The high-profile position is for Berghaus, which, from its humble beginnings in the Sixties, has grown into an international blue-chip company trading in stylish outdoor ranges.

It is just one of a number of roles being created as Berghaus undergoes a restructuring that will see the overall running of the Wearside firm continue to be carried out from the North-East.

However, because of its international reach, individual management units will be set up to meet the needs of the 30 countries in which it trades.

As part of the overhaul, Berghaus, which employs more than 130 staff at its headquarters, is creating the role of chief operating officer to run the global operations and supply chain functions.

Although no one has yet been appointed, given the company’s global standing and the need for high-level international trading experience, it is expected to be a high-profile figure within business circles.

The global management of the brand will continue to be directed from Sunderland, led by a new international board.

However regional business units, managed by dedicated teams, are being created for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia.

It is the latest stage in the growth of Berghaus, which began life as the LD Mountain Centre shop in Newcastle in 1966.

Richard Cotter, Berghaus brand president, said: “These are very exciting times for Berghaus.

“Over the past few years, we have made huge strides in increasing the global reach of the brand and have excellent arrangements in place for our key markets around the world.

“As the business has grown, we have adapted our structure so that we can make the most of the great opportunity that exists for Berghaus to become a leading global outdoor brand.

“We have outstanding teams in place.”

A specialised UK business unit will also operate as a sub-division of the EMEA from the Sunderland headquarters.

The company will be recruiting for its product and design teams, including head of apparel, and has already appointed Jo Scott, from Volvo, to take up the new role of global brand manager later this month.

The changes reflect the brand’s growing popularity in the Far East over the past four years, during which time it has launched in China, with the opening of a dedicated store in Beijing, worked with designer Jeff Griffin on a range primarily aimed at the fashion- conscious Japanese market and has opened about 50 stores in Korea.