North attracts expert naval engineer as Product Manager

North Kiteboarding Development Team attracts expert naval engineer as Product Manager

North Technology Group (NTG) further strengthens the North Kiteboarding team as experienced kiteboarder, naval architect and engineer Uli Sommerlatt joins as Product Manager.

Uli Sommerlatt will work alongside the newly announced leadership team to oversee the development and delivery of all North Kiteboarding products, starting with the first MY2020 range launching mid 2019.

With a professional marine and watersports background spanning over 20 years, Uli brings with him a great deal of experience in the design and production of watersports equipment. Director of Development & Brand, Mike Raper, commented: “Uli’s wide range of experience in design and production methods combined with his unrivalled working history of composite technology will make him a force to be reckoned with. As we match Uli's project management skills with the resources that NTG provide, I expect him to be a fantastic asset to our development team.”

Uli Sommerlatt spent nine years working for world-renowned yacht design company judel/vrolijk before joining Core Builders Composites / Oracle Racing in 2015 as a on site built support engineer for the 35th America’s Cup campaign.

Within his new role Uli will work closely with Mike Raper to ensure the ongoing development, innovation and delivery of all products in the North kite range. Uli is also a native German speaker, so this will assist greatly with development of our new IP.

Commenting on his new position, Sommerlatt said: “Having a background in yacht and foil design provides me with an analytic and scientific approach when it comes to product design which I’m really looking forward to transferring into the world of kiteboarding. It’s such a great time to be involved in the sport. I’m delighted to be starting this journey with North Kiteboarding and helping to create products that our riders will love.”

Along with the newly established North Kiteboarding leadership team, Sommerlatt will now focus on making kiteboarding more accessible, innovative, sustainable and exciting through the new product range launching next year.