inov-8 Adds Shoe-Industry Vet Brendan Murray as US Sales and Marketing Manager

August 9, 2017

Brendan Murray joins inov-8 bringing two decades of running industry experience

Southborough, MA (August 9, 2017) — Continuing to strengthen its US sales and marketing teams, inov-8 – the iconic running/fitness footwear, apparel and gear brand with roots in what’s often considered trail running’s birthplace, the UK’s Lake District – has hired 20-year industry veteran Brendan Murray as their new US Sales and Marketing Manager, based at its headquarters near Boston.

This follows another recent move by inov-8, hiring Park City-based SIMBOL Communications as their Public Relations agency of record; the two will continue to work together to build the brand recognition and sales.

In his new role, Murray will lead inov-8’s US sales and marketing teams: Some of his key responsibilities will include improving brand awareness across the full range of running and fitness communities, while building greater consumer engagement with the brand. He’ll also help drive inov-8’s retail business with specialty run and outdoor accounts.

Murray will report directly to Jim Howard, inov-8’s US General Manager, and it’s not the first time the two have worked together: They were previously colleagues for about 15 years, much of that time at New Balance, where Murray spent 13 years and headed product creation on outdoor and trail running lines globally for NB, following his five years at Reebok.

“I am very excited about being part of the inov-8 team and working together with Jim again,” says Murray. “It’s great to be part of a brand that clearly reflects an especially strong focus on the trail and fitness consumer. What excites me most about the brand is their authenticity and unwavering passion and commitment in making the best-performing shoes and apparel for the trail and fitness consumers.”

Howard shares the enthusiasm about the reunion: “Brendan brings a wealth of relevant expertise and personal knowledge to our brand, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team,” says Howard. “As our brand and industry continue grow and evolve, it’s critical we have individuals like Brendan who bring passion and experience, both personally and professionally. With Brendan’s deep industry knowledge, we are positioning ourselves for great success within the marketplace.”

When not in the office, Murray is out “walking the walk:” You can find him pounding out the miles on road and trail – he’s finished multiple 50-mile ultramarathons and scores of other races – or punishing himself in the gym. He’s also an avid hiker, and he loves visiting and exploring around his childhood home of Las Vegas with his wife and two kids.

About inov-8

Founded in 2003, inov-8 is one of the world’s leading off-road running brands for footwear, apparel and equipment. The brand is renowned for delivering the ultimate is grip. inov-8’s origins and footprints are etched in the muddy British fells and trails but over the years the company has optimized its products to meet the needs of all terrains worldwide. Discover more: www.inov-8.com