North Sails Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

North Sails has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and operations.

Driven by a legacy of innovation, North Sails engineers and manufactures high-performance sails for racing and cruising sailboats, extending its brand through licensed apparel and windsurfing equipment, impacting global maritime markets.

Leadership Roles at North Sails

  • Chief Executive Officer - Thomas Whidden
  • Chief Financial Officer - Caroline Wade
  • President - Torkel Borgstrom
  • President - Ken Read
  • President - Gabriel Borgstrom
  • President - James Foster
  • Thomas Whidden - Chief Executive Officer

    Thomas Whidden, the Chief Executive Officer at North Sails, directs the company's global strategy and operational framework. Overseeing the design and engineering of sails for racing and cruising sailboats, Whidden ensures product innovation aligns with market demands across 29 countries. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion and maintaining its position as an international sailmaker. By focusing on advanced material science and aerodynamic principles, Thomas Whidden drives the development of cutting-edge sail technology. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to managing relationships with licensees who produce clothing and windsurfing sails, ensuring brand consistency and market penetration. Whidden's strategic vision shapes the company's long-term growth trajectory and its commitment to excellence in maritime performance.
    Thomas Whidden

    Caroline Wade - Chief Financial Officer

    Caroline Wade, the Chief Financial Officer at North Sails, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the international sailmaker. Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, Wade ensures fiscal health across the company's global presence in 29 countries. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance and resource allocation for sail design, engineering, and manufacturing. By implementing robust financial controls, Caroline Wade supports the company's expansion into new markets and product lines, including licensed clothing and windsurfing sails. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for strategic investment decisions and maintaining profitability. Wade's leadership ensures financial stability, enabling North Sails to continue its legacy of innovation and market leadership in the sailing industry.
    Caroline Wade

    Torkel Borgstrom - President

    Torkel Borgstrom, the President at North Sails, drives operational excellence and strategic initiatives across the company's global sail manufacturing network. Overseeing the engineering and production of sails for racing and cruising sailboats, Borgstrom ensures adherence to the highest quality standards in 29 countries. This leadership position involves optimizing manufacturing processes and supply chain logistics to meet diverse client needs. By fostering innovation in sail design, Torkel Borgstrom contributes to the company's reputation for performance and reliability. The President's focus extends to managing relationships with licensees involved in clothing and windsurfing sail production, ensuring brand integrity. Borgstrom's operational leadership is fundamental to North Sails' continued success and global market penetration.
    Torkel Borgstrom

    Ken Read - President

    Ken Read, the President at North Sails, spearheads the company's strategic direction and market development for racing and cruising sails. Overseeing the design and engineering of advanced sail technology, Read ensures North Sails remains at the forefront of performance sailing across its 29 international operations. This executive role involves cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and driving product innovation. By leveraging deep industry expertise, Ken Read guides the development of sails that enhance competitive advantage for sailors worldwide. The President's influence extends to the brand's licensed apparel and windsurfing sail ventures, ensuring cohesive market presence. Read's leadership propels North Sails' commitment to excellence and its expansion in the global maritime sector.
    Ken Read

    Gabriel Borgstrom - President

    Gabriel Borgstrom, the President at North Sails, directs key operational segments focused on enhancing sail manufacturing efficiency and product quality. Overseeing specific production lines and engineering teams, Borgstrom ensures the consistent delivery of high-performance sails for racing and cruising sailboats across the company's extensive international network. This leadership role involves implementing advanced manufacturing techniques and quality control measures throughout the 29 operating countries. By focusing on process optimization, Gabriel Borgstrom supports the company's ability to innovate and adapt to evolving market demands. The President's responsibilities include driving operational improvements that bolster North Sails' global reputation for excellence and reliability in sail technology.

    James Foster - President

    James Foster, the President at North Sails, leads initiatives focused on market expansion and strategic partnerships for the company's diverse product offerings. Overseeing efforts to grow the brand's presence in both racing and cruising sailboat markets, Foster ensures effective engagement across all 29 international locations. This executive position involves identifying new business opportunities and strengthening existing market channels for sails, clothing, and windsurfing equipment. By fostering collaborative relationships, James Foster drives the company's growth strategy and enhances its competitive positioning. The President's focus on market dynamics and customer engagement is crucial for maintaining North Sails' leadership in the global sailmaking industry.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Boats & Submarines

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding North Sails Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads North Sails?
    North Sails is led by Thomas Whidden (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Caroline Wade (Chief Financial Officer) and Torkel Borgstrom (President).
    Who is part of North Sails’s executive team?
    The executive team of North Sails includes leaders such as Thomas Whidden (Chief Executive Officer), Caroline Wade (Chief Financial Officer), Torkel Borgstrom (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does North Sails have?
    North Sails has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in North Sails’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of North Sails includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President.