Simon joined the HD® Wool Apparel Insulation Team as Managing Director in January of this year bringing more than 25 years of B2B2C sales and marketing experience growing business across the speciality fibre, technical textile and performance apparel industries. His role is to help the business capitalize onthe rapidly growing interest in the natural, renewable and traceable story by building global brand and retail partnerships with HD® Wool Apparel Insulation. Additionally, he’s helping Jo and the team launch the HD® Wool brand into the Interiors market in North America and working with Ali Atkins to support the alliance between HD® Wool Apparel Insulation and the Savory Institute’s Land toMarket verified regenerative wool supply.
Simon’s sincere interestand deep curiosity in people, business and the health of our planet are thecatalyst for his creative ideas and strategic initiatives.
What drew you to HD® Wool?
I’d met Jo at a few exhibitions and loved the authenticity and power of the HD® Wool Apparel Insulation story –when I got to know him and found out he was also a great guy, I was in!
What is a work experience that youare most proud of?
The team had a great start to the year – winning an ISPO Gold Award for Insulation with Finisterre and launching their first collection with The North Face – neither of which I had anything to do with! On a different scale, I’m really pleased when we’re able to present one of our Woolkeepers® farmers with a jacket containing wool from his or her flock – they’re so happy and that’s pretty cool.
What are you excited about?
The timing is so right for a natural, renewable alternative to synthetic garment insulation so I’m really looking forward to growing our story with customers and meeting customers face to face again.
What is the first thing you wanted to do when lock-down started lifting during COVID-19?
Hug my mum.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
The Alarm, at St David’s Concert Hall in Cardiff. I wish I still had the t-shirt.
Where is your happy place?
With my family, walking across the saltmarsh to the sea on the North Norfolk coast.
What’s your favorite pastime?
I recently got into Stand Up Paddle boarding…exercise and mindfulness!
Do you prefer coffee or tea?
It depends on the time of day –coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon.
What football team do you rootfor?
Wrong shaped ball - I prefer rugby and my local team are Northampton Saints. As for American Football (as we Brits call it) I’ve followed the Raiders since the days of Marcus Allen in the 80s.
What’s the most stunning bike ride or road trip you’ve taken or want to take?
The Lon Las Cycle Route from north to south across Wales is pretty awesome – but I’d also love to drive the Pacific Coast Highway.
What’s last book you read?
The Sea Around Us, by Rachel Carson. Gorgeous and ahead of its time.
And finally, if you could make/orhave anything made with HD® Wool Apparel Insulation, what would it be?
The outerwear for the British and Irish Lions rugby team.
If you’d like to get in touch with Simon, you can drop him a note at simon.whitmarsh-knight@hdwool.com.