Al Perkinson Joins Simms

Simms has announced Al Perkinson as Executive Vice President of Marketing. Perkinson comes to Simms from his former position of VP of Marketing at Costa.

Read more in the press release below.

Al Perkinson Joins Simms

Perkinson brings a high caliber of brand marketing and e-commerce expertise to Simms, as well as a strong commitment to fisheries conservation.

Bozeman, Montana – Simms Fishing Products, preeminent manufacturer of waders, outerwear, footwear, and technical apparel in fishing, announced the appointment of Al Perkinson, formerly VP of Marketing at Costa, to Executive Vice President of Marketing.

“Simms is one of those rare companies that is true to the core,” said Perkinson. “Everything about Simms is aligned – from its Bozeman home in the very heart of the fly fishing world, to its commitment to conservation, to its passionate employees and its uncompromising product and service quality. As a brand builder and an avid angler it’s the dream job.”

Perkinson was instrumental in growing the Costa brand to the global powerhouse that it is today as well as being recognized as one of the most influential people in fisheries conservation.

As the Vice President of Marketing for Costa, Perkinson helped grow the company’s sales 1500% during his 11-year tenure. In this senior leadership position, he oversaw the company’s marketing strategy, in addition to serving at the General Manager for both E-Commerce and Apparel for Costa. Perkinson also created Costa Films and has produced nine short films, one of which won the sustainability award from Sundance in 2012.

Perkinson has been recognized for his extensive conservation contributions, including being named one of the 25 most influential people in conservation by “Outdoor Life Magazine.” Perkinson is also an avid fly angler. He received the Lefty Kreh Sportsman of the Year Award from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust in 2014 and was named Angler of the Year by “Fly Rod & Reel Magazine” in 2015. He was also recently invited to be a member of the Explorer’s Club in New York City.

Prior to joining Costa, Perkinson was Vice President of Account Service at Henderson Advertising & VP Group Brand Manager at Bank of America. He began his career at Ogilvy & Mather Advertising in New York City.

“We are thrilled to have Al join our executive leadership team,” said K. C. Walsh, President/Owner of Simms. “He has a great history in brand building and conservation, and understands how important it is for Simms to support our specialty retail partners.”

About Simms Fishing Products: Established in 1980, Montana-based Simms is the preeminent manufacturer of waders, outerwear and technical apparel in fishing. In 2011, Simms expanded its product offering to include expertly crafted outerwear, footwear and sportswear that gives all anglers a choice in top-end, premium products. The full line of Simms gear is available at specialty and large format retailers nationwide as well as simmsfishing.com.