Aqualung Group, the world leader in diving equipment and watersports, has named Scott Rittschof President of Aqualung Group, North America. Rittschof brings extensive knowledge of the outdoor sports industry and a proven track record in various leadership functions at first class brands to the role. The arrival of Rittschof marks a new phase for Aqualung Group as the company looks to solidify its position as the worldwide leader in scuba diving and grow its freediving, swim, snorkeling, and paddling segments under brands including Aqualung, Apeks, Aquasphere, Omer, Military Professional, Stohlquist and U.S. Divers.

Scott Rittschof

Appointed by Bruno Cercley, former President and CEO of Rossignol Group, who joined Aqualung Group as Executive Chairman of the Board in June 2022, Rittschof will lead the North American business, which accounts for half of the group’s revenue. He will play a key role in the overall strategy to elevate the entire portfolio of brands across retail and digital, modernizing the distribution model and expanding brand engagement to connect with more consumers across all touchpoints with an immediate focus on operational excellence.

Rittschof joins Aqualung Group as the company approaches the completion of a multi-year transformation including a modernized operating model, new worldwide locations, and large investments to establish brands as market leaders. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., the North American headquarters for the company, Rittschof’s official start date is August 15, 2022.

“As Aqualung Group moves into the next stage of growth, Scott will play an important role in further solidifying our brand position in the very dynamic “blue outdoor” segment,” said Cercley.  “Speaking from my own personal and professional experience with Scott, he is the ideal leader to drive our transformation and efficiency improvement plans in North America as part of the global Group initiative.”

Most recently, Rittschof served as Vice President of the Bike Division at Pierer E-Bikes North America. Rittschof joined Pierer Mobility AG, the leading European manufacturer of motorized two wheelers, in 2021 when the company acquired the Felt brand from Group Rossignol. In this role as the executive member on the strategy team, he led the company acquisition and transition to the new ownership. Rittschof also previously held leadership roles at the Pon Bicycle Group and Cycling Sports Group.

“I’m very excited to be joining Aqualung Group and for the opportunity to work with Bruno again,” said Rittschof. “With strong brands, a rich history, innovative products, and a passionate and experienced team, we are ready to take Aqualung Group to the next level.”

About Aqualung Group:

Aqualung pioneered the creation of modern diving equipment in 1943 when Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau partnered with Emile Gagnan to develop the first scuba gear that made underwater exploration a reality. Today, Aqualung remains the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of diving equipment and is one of 7 global brands within the Aqualung Group brand portfolio.

Headquartered in Sophia Antipolis, France, Aqualung Group is an innovator in water sports with a mission to inspire everyone to enjoy water exploration and be active in the water. The leading global designer and manufacturer of dive, swim and water sports gear, Aqualung Group products are now available in more than 100 countries around the world. Aqualung Group is also the industry leading specialist of best-in-class solutions for military and professional missions in any water environment, providing equipment dedicated to maritime military operations, emergency breathing activities, public safety and rescue users, maritime civilian operation, and commercial divers through its Military Professional division.

The Aqualung Group product portfolio includes premier dive, swim, snorkel and paddling equipment brands including Aqualung, Apeks, Omer, Aquasphere, Military Professional, U.S. Divers and Stohlquist.

For more information, visit www.us.aqualung.com.