PUMA announced a change in the board of management: Melody Harris-Jensbach, previously International Product Director Women at Esprit responsible for the global business division Woman’s Casual, will be appointed Member of the PUMA Board of Management on January 1st 2008.

She will take on the responsibility in the PUMA Board for the areas Product, Product development, Design, Business Unit Management and Worldwide Sourcing for the PUMA Retail Business and take over the position of Martin Gaensler, who will as announced in November 2006 retire from his areas of responsibility in the course of the year.

Melody Harris-Jensbach graduated at the Parson School of Design in New York and has considerable experience in the fashion industry, especially in the area design and product management, as well as managing global premium- and lifestyle brands such as Viventi by Bernd Berger, Laurel by Escada and Esprit Women’s Wear.

From 1998 to 2003 she held the position as Design Director Women’s Wear and has been member of the Senior Management of Esprit since then. In 2003 she took on the responsibility as International Product Director Women. She was responsible for the successful implementation of the market needs of all Woman’s segments in international key markets. In 2005 she also took over the Woman’s Casual Division, the Core Business of Esprit, which she manages up to today.

Melody Harris-Jensbach is American, married and has lived in Germany for more than 22 years. Based on her international work experience and her comprehensive know-how in the lifestyle and fashion industry, not only does she have the required qualification and expertise for taking over the position of Martin Gaensler in the PUMA Board, but she will also contribute to the further long-term development of PUMA.

Over his 25 year career with PUMA, Martin Gaensler has been serving as a Member of the Board since 1993 and since 1998 as Vice Chairman, overseeing Research, Development and Design as well as Sourcing. Based on his future personal plans he will retire from the business this year.

Jochen Zeitz, CEO and Chairman of PUMA AG: “With the appointment of Melody Harris-Jensbach we are delighted to not only have an excellent manager on board but also for the first time a female member joining the PUMA Board of Management. With her comprehensive experience and know-how in managing brands from the lifestyle and premium segment she will further strengthen the PUMA team and also contribute in supporting PUMA’s company strategy to become one of the most desirable Sportlifestyle companies.”

Martin Gaensler, Vice Chairman of the PUMA Board: “With the appointment of Melody as Member of the PUMA Board of Management, PUMA emphasizes and strengthens the global positioning of the company especially with regards to the future emerging markets and strategies. I am convinced that Melody will lead the PUMA Creative Team exceptionally well and also introduce important new elements for the future success. I could not wish for a better successor for my position.”

Melody Harris-Jensbach, future member of the PUMA Board: “It is an honor to become a part of such a dynamic corporation and I am looking forward to my new position. I can assure that the PUMA product philosophy and strategy will be continued with the same ‘heart and soul’ that makes this brand so desirable. I am proud to contribute my experience and talents that will support the success and continued global growth of PUMA.”