The past year brought change to C-suites throughout the active lifestyle industry, and one of the biggest was announced in October when Nike Inc. said its longtime chief executive Mark Parker would hand the reins of the company to John Donahoe on January 13, 2020.
Parker—the footwear and apparel giant’s CEO since 2006 and chairman, president and CEO since 2016—will become executive chairman and continue to lead the board of directors and work closely with Donahoe and the senior management team.
Below are other notable Movers and Shakers from 2019 featured in SGB Executive Aisle Talk throughout 2019.
Academy Sports + Outdoors announced that Steven P. Lawrence was appointed executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.
Adidas AG announced that Eric Liedtke, a 25-year Adidas veteran responsible for global brands, plans to exit the company at the close of the year. Brian Grevy, CEO of Gant, will return to take Liedtke’s position at the start of next year.
Adidas named Vanessa LeFebvre, former president of Lord & Taylor, as SVP of commercial, overseeing the brand’s U.S. wholesale, stores and online businesses.
Asics EMEA CEO Alistair Cameron has decided to leave the company. On November 20, Carsten Unbehaun became the new CEO of Asics EMEA.
Bass Pro Shops said Michael P. McDermott, a former executive at the Lowe’s home-improvement chain, will replace Jim Hagale as president.
Bass Pro Shops announced that Jamie Sohosky has been appointed as chief marketing officer for the Great Outdoors Group of companies.
The Blaser Group has promoted Christian Socher to head of sales and CEO of Blaser GmbH. After almost seven years as CEO of Blaser USA, Socher is returning to Germany to lead the global sales efforts of Blaser GmbH. Industry veteran Jason Evans has been hired as the new CEO of Blaser USA.
BrainScope announced the appointment of Susan Hertzberg as CEO.
Brooks Running Company promoted Dan Sheridan to a newly configured role of EVP and chief operating officer.
Caleres announced that Angela Bass will join the company as chief human resources officer.
Camber Outdoors announced that Deanne Buck had resigned as executive director. The board named Diana Seung as interim executive director, and later in the year appointed Emily Newman as its new executive director.
Camping World Holdings Inc. said Roger Nuttall resigned from his position as president of the company’s dealership group and his responsibilities will be divided up between Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO, and four tenured Divisional RV presidents.
Camping World Holdings Inc. promoted Tamara Ward to the role of chief operating officer of Camping World Holdings.
Canada Goose promoted Ana Mihaljevic to chief commercial officer. Rick Wood, who previously served as chief commercial officer, will move into a new role, serving as an executive adviser on key strategic projects.
Clarks has hired Giorgio Presca to take on the role of chief executive.
The Conservation Alliance announced that John Sterling would resign as executive director. The organization later announced Brady Robinson as the new executive director.
Dakine Equipment LLC—a division of JR286 Inc., in partnership with Marquee Brands—announced the appointment of David Orr as global general manager.
Dick’s Sporting Goods appointed Ed Plummer as the company’s chief marketing officer and Steve Miller as the senior vice president of strategy and analytics.
Dorel Industries Inc. announced it has replaced the president and CEO of Dorel Juvenile Europe (DJE). Raul Sepulveda has assumed the duties of Charles De Kervénoaël, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities. In addition, Adriano Nascentes, previously with Dorel Sports, has been named to the newly created position of COO, DJE.
Downlite, the manufacturer of down, feather and synthetic bedding products, and supplier of down to outdoor and apparel markets, appointed Lisa Pruett as chief sales and marketing officer.
Duckworth, the Merino wool apparel company, hired Andy Wunsch as CEO.
Duluth Trading Co. said founder Stephen L. Schlecht will reassume the role of Duluth CEO following the departure of Stephanie Pugliese.
Elan Skis, the Slovenian-based ski manufacturer, announced the appointment of Jeff Mechura as the new president/CEO of Elan Sports USA, an independent subsidiary of Elan d.o.o., effective immediately.
Emerald Expositions Events Inc. said Darrell Denny, EVP, would leave the company, effective May 24.
Emerald Expositions Events Inc. announced the appointment of Brian Field as chief operating officer.
Emerald Expositions Events Inc. appointed Sally Shankland to the position of president and CEO of Emerald. Phil Evans, Emerald’s interim president and CEO, will continue to serve as the company’s CFO. Emerald later in the year said Shankland would step down as president and CEO for personal health reasons.
Equip Outdoor Technologies promoted Jonathan Frederick to USA Country Manager for the Rab and Lowe Alpine Brands.
Fanatics appointed Michener (Mich) Chandlee as CFO.
FeraDyne Outdoors LLC named John Flanagan as the company’s CFO.
Fila appointed Jennifer Estabrook, chief operating officer, as North America president.
Fischer Skis U.S. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of privately held Fischer Sports GmbH, has announced Sergio Kiehl as CEO and president.
Founder Sport Group announced that Todd Levine will rejoin the company as president of Digital Apparel Lab, formerly known as Teamwork Athletic Apparel.
Gant has named Patrik Söderström chief executive officer, effective February 2020.
Gap Inc. announced the appointment of Mary Beth Laughton as president and CEO of Athleta.
Genesco Inc. announced that it has appointed Mel Tucker as senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer, effective June 24.
Genesco’s Mimi Eckel Vaughn, currently SVP and COO, will become president and CEO, effective February 2, 2020.
Gold’s Gym has promoted Craig Sherwood to chief development officer.
Head North America announced the promotion of Jon Rucker to president, Head/Tyrolia USA Winter Sports Division.
Hibbett Sports Inc. in March announced that CEO Jeff Rosenthal would resign this year once a replacement was announced. In December, Mike Longo of Hibbett subsidiary City Gear was announced as the company’s new chief executive.
Honey Stinger appointed Mike Keown, a longtime veteran of the consumer packaged goods industry, as its new CEO.
Hybrid Apparel announced that Bill Hutchison joined the company as CEO.
Iconix Brand Group Inc. announced that John T. McClain has been appointed chief financial officer.
The Ironman Group, a Wanda Sports Group company, announced the addition of Ellen Newberg as the company’s new chief marketing officer.
Jack Wolfskin, the German-based outdoor brand owned by Callaway Golf Co., appointed Diana Seung as GM for the brand’s North American operation, which will be based in Salt Lake City, UT.
J. C. Penney Co. Inc. announced that Shawn Gensch has been named executive vice president, chief customer officer.
J. C. Penney Co. Inc. announced that Bill Wafford has been named executive vice president, chief financial officer.
J. C. Penney Co. Inc. said Michelle Wlazlo will join the company as executive vice president, chief merchant, reporting to Jill Soltau, CEO.
Kathmandu Holdings Ltd. appointed Amy Beck to the position of president, Obōz/Kathmandu North America.
Life Fitness appointed Chris Clawson as CEO. Clawson served as President of Life Fitness from 2010 to 2016 and most recently was Chairman of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
Liv Foods Inc., maker of LivBar, organic superfood energy bars, has hired Wade Brooks as its new CEO.
Macy’s Inc. announced that Hal Lawton, president of the Macy’s brand business, has resigned, effective December 6.
Macy’s Inc. announced that Patti Ongman was named chief merchandising officer of the Macy’s brand.
Marker Dalbello Völkl announced the promotion of Greg Grip to president of its U.S. subsidiary, following the recent retirement of long-time president Mike Noonan.
Milliken & Co. named Steve Layton president of the company’s newly acquired Polartec business.
Mission Boat Gear LLC announced that it appointed Corey Uchtman as CEO.
Modell’s Sporting Goods has officially hired David Stern to the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association selected Frank Hugelmeyer as the association’s next president. Hugelmeyer leaves the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, where he had served as president since 2015.
The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) announced that Director of Public Affairs Larry Weindruch, CAE, retired effective March 1.
Nautilus Inc. announced that CEO Bruce Cazenave resigned from the company. M. Carl Johnson III, chairman of the board of Nautilus Inc., assumed the role of interim CEO before Jim Barr was named CEO in late July.
Nautilus Inc. appointed Aina Konold as CFO.
Newell Brands appointed EVP and CFO Christopher Peterson as interim CEO effective June 28.
Newell Brands appointed Ravi Saligram as president and CEO, and a member of the Newell Brands board of directors, effective October 2.
Nike: Mark Parker;
Nordstrom Inc. appointed Teri Bariquit as the retailer’s chief merchandising officer.
Nordstrom promoted Ken Worzel to COO.
The North Face announced the appointment of Steve Lesnard as global vice president of marketing, and Tina Rolén as vice president of marketing for The North Face EMEA.
O.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc., the firearms manufacturer based in North Haven, CT, appointed Douglas Bell as company president and COO.
OrderMyGear, the sporting goods and custom apparel platform, announced the appointment of Dave Dutch to the position of CEO.
OrderMyGear, the sporting goods and custom apparel platform, announced the appointment of Wade Williams, former CTO of Paylease, to the position of chief technology officer.
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) announced that Executive Director Amy Roberts would leave the organization at the end of September to join The North Face as senior director, communications & corporate social responsibility.
Outdoor & Sports Company (OSC) named Bill Supple as brand and business development director for the Mountain Equipment brand.
Outdoor Voices announced the appointment of Pamela Catlett, a former Nike and Under Armour executive, as president and chief operating officer.
Pelican International, the maker of kayaks, stand up paddleboards, canoes, pedal boats, and fishing boats based in Quebec, appointed Danick Lavoie as CEO.
PeopleForBikes announced that Jenn Dice, vice president of the organization’s Business Network, has been promoted to COO.
Planet Fitness Inc. appointed Kathy Gentilozzi as chief people officer.
Puma has promoted Anne-Laure Descours to chief sourcing officer and member of the management board. Puma’s Chief Operating Officer Lars Radoor Sørensen has stepped down to pursue other interests.
Purus Labs, the sports nutrition company, announced that Shawn Moe will join the team as a partner and will be the new president and CEO.
PVH Corp. announced leadership updates, including Chairman and CEO Manny Chirico signing a new five-year employment agreement and hiring Stefan Larsson as PVH president, a newly created role.
Reef appointed Mike Jensen as president. Jensen most recently served as general manager and head of brand of DC Shoes.
REI Co-op announced that President and CEO Jerry Stritzke resigned from the co-op after the company’s “investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding a personal and consensual relationship between Jerry and the leader of another organization in the outdoor industry.”
REI named Eric Artz as president and CEO. Artz, who replaced Jerry Stritzke, was most recently REI’s COO.
REI Co-op hired Kelley Hall as its new CFO.
Sherpa Adventure Gear announced that Peter Novak would join the Sherpa team as president.
Simms Fishing Products, a manufacturer of waders, outerwear, footwear and technical apparel in fishing, announced the hiring of Strick Walker as its chief marketing officer.
Slinger Bag, makers of a portable tennis ball launcher, announced that Mike Ballardie has been named CEO of the company.
SoulCycle said Melanie Whelan, CEO since 2015, has resigned. Sunder Reddy, SoulCycle’s CFO since 2017, assumed the role of interim CEO while a search for a permanent replacement begins.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of Robert Julian as CFO.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. appointed Phil Stevens as chief technology officer, effective August 5.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of Scott Walker as SVP of merchandising effective May 20.
Stance, the maker of socks and underwear, has promoted Co-Founder John Wilson to CEO.
StockX appointed Deena Bahri as the company’s first chief marketing officer.
StockX announced the appointment of Scott Cutler as CEO.
Strava, the activity tracking app, hired Christine Park as chief financial officer, and Yandong Liu as chief technology officer.
Tilly’s Inc. announced that Tricia D. Smith had been appointed to serve as the company’s executive vice president, chief merchandising officer.
Thule appointed Jonas Lindqvist as CFO and member of Group Management in Thule Group, based out of the Group Headquarters in Malmö, Sweden.
Under Armour Inc. announced the appointment of Kasey Jarvis as its new chief design officer. Jarvis joins Under Armour from Black Diamond Equipment.
Under Armour Inc. appointed of Stephanie Pugliese, former CEO of Duluth Trading Company, as president, North America.
Under Armour Inc. announced the appointment of Tchernavia Rocker as its new chief people and culture officer.
Unifi Inc. appointed Craig Creaturo, effective September 9, as executive vice president and CFO.
Unifi Inc. announced a series of leadership changes. Kevin Hall has resigned as CEO and director, while the board of directors elected Albert Carey, currently the company’s non-executive chairman, as its executive chairman, effective April 1, and also appointed Thomas Caudle Jr. as the company’s principal executive officer, effective immediately.
United States Tennis Association (USTA) named Michael Dowse, president of Wilson Sporting Goods Co., as its new CEO and executive director.
The USA Cycling Board of Directors named Rob DeMartini as president and CEO of USA Cycling.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard appointed Andy McKeon as CMO.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard appointed Michael O’Conor as chief revenue officer.
Varsity Brands announced the addition of Jaime Jaramillo as the company’s first chief technology officer.
Varsity Brands announced that Justin Kentor joined the company as chief of strategy and business transformation.
Varsity Brands announced that Martha May has joined the company as chief human resources officer.
Vista Outdoor Inc. named Brad Crandell chief human resources officer, Mark Kowalski controller and chief accounting officer, Dylan Ramsey vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary and Kelly Reisdorf vice president, chief communications and investor relations officer.
Vista Outdoor Inc. named Chris Sword, formerly president of Pearl Izumi, as president of Bell/Giro.
Wacoal America Inc., the intimate apparel company that owns the CW-X activewear brand, announced its CEO succession plan. Bob Vitale is retiring and handing the reins to Mitch Kauffman, who was previously the brand’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.
Wolverine World Wide Inc. appointed Chris Hufnagel as global brand president of Merrell, the largest brand within the company’s portfolio. The former global brand president of Cat Footwear replaces Sue Rechner.
Wolverine World Wide Inc. appointed Angelo Ng, formerly at Levi Strauss, as the company’s first chief merchant officer.
Xponential Fitness, the largest curator of boutique fitness brands in the world, appointed Michael Abramson as COO.
Yeti Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of Melisa Goldie to CMO.
Photo courtesy Nike Inc.
