The board of directors of Viking Outdoor Footwear has appointed René Høgsted as the company's new chief executive. He is expected to take up his new position on Jan. 1, 2020. The 46-year-old brings a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, e-commerce, branding, product and management in strong retail and branded goods companies such as Gresvig, Röhnisch and Bik Bok. He takes over from Trond Langeland. Viking Outdoor Footwear has been part of the Bertel O. Steen Group since 2007, but was founded by Peter Mathias Røwde in 1920 as a rubber factory in Askim, Norway, making it one of Norway's oldest brands. 2020 marks the 100th anniversary.