Icebreaker names new U.S. executives

Icebreaker, the high-tech merino wool clothing company, announced Wednesday that Lisa Thompson will take over as president of the company's U.S. operations.

Icebreaker has its U.S. headquarters and a retail store in the Pearl.

Thompson moved to Portland in January from New Zealand, where the company is based, to become vice president of U.S. sales.

Two weeks later, Russ Hopcus, the former president of U.S. operations, announced he was leaving the company.

Icebreaker, which sources its wool directly from farms in New Zealand, established its Portland base in 2007 and has plans to open a retail store in New York City this fall.

“Lisa knows Icebreaker better than almost anyone, and she’s one of the reasons the company has been so successful this past decade,” said Tony Balfour, general manager for global markets, in a news release. “We are excited to see where she takes the U.S. market.”

Justin Watkins, another native New Zealander, replaces Thompson as U.S. sales manager.

Icebreaker also named Deb Boswell to the new role of general manager for the company's running line.

Molly King will serve as U.S. marketing manager.