Generational Transition at the Oberalp Group

May 28, 2026

Ruth Oberrauch takes over as President of the South Tyrolean sports company on June 1st

May 28, 2026 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – “The next generation will do better than I did.” With these words, longtime President and founder of the Oberalp Group, Heiner Oberrauch, addressed the company’s more than 1,200 employees to announce the generational handover to his daughter, Ruth Oberrauch.

More than 40 years ago, Heiner Oberrauch founded the company in Bolzano, northern Italy, with two part-time employees. What began as a business importing high-quality sports equipment into Italy has since evolved into a management-led family company with a portfolio of 18 sports brands under one roof.

Today, the Oberalp Group owns seven mountain sports brands, including Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca, Evolv, and LaMunt. In addition, the company serves as a brand developer and distribution partner for eleven exclusive sports brands including Under Armour, Diadem, Fischer, Bollé, and 2117 of Sweden.

Ruth Oberrauch has chosen “Building Bridges” as the motto of her presidency.

“I feel comfortable in the role of a bridge-builder because I believe it will help position the company on a strong and sustainable path for the future,” said Ruth Oberrauch. “Partnerships are a key factor for future success — both within the company and externally. No one wins alone anymore.”

Heiner Oberrauch will remain a member of the Executive Board of the Oberalp Group and devote more time to additional family business activities in the fashion retail and agricultural sectors.

Ruth Oberrauch will step down from her role as Brand Manager of LaMunt in order to focus on her new responsibilities. She founded the brand in 2022 to address a gap in the outdoor market, creating a community-driven mountain brand designed by women for women.

“The experience of building a brand from the ground up allowed me to gain deep insight into all business processes,” said Ruth Oberrauch. “I am now excited to take on greater responsibility for the entire Oberalp House of Brands.”

A further step in the generational transition will follow in autumn. Christoph Engl, CEO of the Oberalp Group since 2018, will hand over his role to current CSO Stefan Rainer on October 1 and will continue supporting the company as Senior Advisor beginning in 2027.

Further details on the organizational restructuring and the Oberalp Group’s future strategy will be announced at a press conference on September 21.

About Oberalp

The Oberalp Group is a family-owned and management-led company headquartered in Bolzano, northern Italy. Founded in 1981 by Heiner Oberrauch, the company employs approximately 1,200 people and develops premium mountain sports equipment and apparel. Alongside its owned brands — including Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca, Wild Country, Evolv, and LaMunt — Oberalp also operates as a strategic distribution partner for leading international sports brands across Europe.

The company is recognized for its innovation in mountain sports, commitment to sustainability, and long-standing dedication to responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship.

www.oberalp.com

Media Contact: Oberalp@obviouslee.com