Katadyn Reinforces Commitment to Specialty Retail Ahead of Grassroots Connect

June 2, 2026

Leadership appointments and a new sales agency partnership strengthen retailer support across North America

PETALUMA, Calif. (June 2, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Katadyn, the world’s most trusted Swiss equipment brand for specialists who demand ultimate mission performance, today announced leadership appointments and a new sales agency partnership that strengthen support for specialty retailers across North America.

Katadyn has promoted Jeff Pratt to vice president of sales and appointed Steve Drew as sales director, North America. The company has also partnered with Sokol & Associates as its sales agency representative for the Central and Midwest regions, expanding field sales support across key specialty retail markets.

The announcements come ahead of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Connect, June 8-11, 2026, in Reno, Nevada, where Katadyn will exhibit at Booth T60. Retailers visiting the booth will have the opportunity to explore the BeFree AC Bottle 0.7L, European Outdoor Award-winning Explorer Pro, Optimus Gemini II and 45 AlpineAire recipes, and get an early look at the 2027 lineup.

Pratt, who was promoted to the role last fall, will lead sales strategy, retail partnerships and agency relationships throughout North America. He joined Katadyn in 2025 following leadership roles with Black Diamond Equipment, Arcade Belts and Grundéns.

“Grassroots Connect is one of the most valuable opportunities of the year to connect directly with specialty retailers, discuss their business and plan for the future,” said Pratt. “We’re looking forward to sharing new innovations, gathering feedback and creating growth opportunities for the upcoming season.”

Drew joined Katadyn in January and brings more than 20 years of experience in specialty retail, sales leadership and channel development. His background includes leadership roles with Glacier Outdoor, Klean Kanteen, Thule, CamelBak, GoPro and Yakima, where he helped drive growth across specialty retail, distributor and strategic sales channels. In his role, Drew will focus on strengthening retailer relationships, supporting agency partners and expanding market opportunities across the region.

“Specialty retail has been at the center of my career for more than two decades,” said Drew. “I look forward to helping retailers identify new opportunities for growth while strengthening the partnerships that drive long-term success.”

The appointments and agency partnership reinforce Katadyn’s commitment to specialty retail and continued investment in retailer success.

About Katadyn

Founded in 1928 in Switzerland, Katadyn is the world’s most trusted Swiss equipment brand for specialists who demand ultimate mission performance. Katadyn develops water treatment, nutrition and cooking solutions designed to perform in the world’s most demanding conditions. From humanitarian response, disaster relief and professional operations to outdoor and expedition use, Katadyn equips people with water they can trust, food that fuels and gear that performs when it counts.

The company’s portfolio includes the brands Katadyn, Trek’n Eat, AlpineAire Foods, Optimus and Spectra Watermakers. Katadyn operates globally with manufacturing facilities in the United States and Europe and employs more than 220 people.

Learn more at katadyngroup.com.

Press inquiries: Brook Hopper, marketing director, Katadyn North America, brook.h@katadyn.com, 805-340-5034