December 4, 2005 – Seeking to take advantage of recent momentum in its winter business, as well as expand its leadership position in Nordic Walking and other Nordic sports, Exel Sports of Finland appointed Chris Griffin to the newly created position of Vice President, Sales, for Exel North America.

According to Exel’s Managing Director Mika Sulin, “Chris will be responsible for Exel Sports sales in the US and Canada with a focus on key accounts and partnerships. His presence in North America should enable us to create additional business through sporting goods stores and retail chains and to strengthen Exel brand awareness in North America.”

“In line with our plans to continue our North American expansion and accelerate our development there, the appointment of Chris Griffin to this new position completes our North American team based in Georgia, VT. We strongly believe that his acquired experience and knowledge over the past three years as our International Sales Manager will greatly strengthen our market positions in North America and boost our sales in the near future,” Sulin concluded.

While serving in this new capacity in North America, Griffin will continue to oversee business development for Asia-Pacific, the UK and Oceania.