The newly created leadership role puts Thielen in charge of revenue channels, emerging brands and marketing as Selkirk accelerates its international expansion.
Selkirk Sport has named Doug Thielen president and chief marketing officer, expanding his leadership responsibilities as the Idaho-based pickleball company enters its next phase of growth.
Thielen, who has served as Selkirk’s chief marketing officer since November 2023, will oversee the company’s revenue channels, emerging brands, marketing strategy and global growth initiatives. Selkirk co-founders Mike and Rob Barnes will remain co-CEOs.
The appointment comes during a significant expansion period for one of pickleball’s most recognizable equipment brands.
“Doug has helped shape how Selkirk approaches the market, and he deeply understands our brand and our business,” Mike Barnes said in announcing the appointment. “As we enter this next phase of growth, his experience will help us align our operations, marketing and product strategy around the needs of players worldwide.”
Thielen brings more than 20 years of experience working with outdoor and lifestyle brands. His background includes campaigns for REI, Filson, Mountain Dew and Dickies.
In his expanded role, Thielen is expected to focus on bringing Selkirk’s sales channels and marketing strategy into closer alignment while developing the infrastructure required to support a growing international customer base.
Selkirk’s Expansion Accelerates
The leadership change follows a series of strategic moves by Selkirk in 2026.
In January, the company accepted its first major outside investment, securing $20 million from BlueStone Equity Partners. Selkirk has also established international headquarters in Estonia and Malaysia, strengthening its presence in overseas markets.
Then, in May, Selkirk acquired Bread & Butter Pickleball, adding another brand to its portfolio and broadening its reach across the pickleball market.
Together, the moves point toward a more ambitious growth strategy for a company that began as a family-run paddle manufacturer in 2014 and has since developed into a prominent brand within the rapidly expanding sport.
Thielen said his priority will include strengthening the organization internally as Selkirk scales.
“My priority is to help our teams grow in a way that keeps us focused, connected and accountable,” Thielen said. “Great companies grow when their people grow with them.”
Building for Pickleball’s Next Stage
For Selkirk, creating a combined president and CMO position suggests that brand development, sales and international expansion will become increasingly interconnected as the company grows.
The appointment also arrives as the broader pickleball industry continues evolving beyond its U.S. roots, creating opportunities for equipment companies to compete for players and market share internationally.
With Thielen assuming broader operational and commercial responsibilities while Mike and Rob Barnes remain at the helm as co-CEOs, Selkirk is positioning its leadership structure around that next stage.
Founded in 2014 and based in Hayden, Idaho, Selkirk manufactures pickleball paddles, apparel and accessories and has grown alongside pickleball’s rapid rise in participation and visibility.
Source: Selkirk Sport Press Release
