Brooks Running Company reported that it saw double-digit growth in 2013 while making several organizational changes to support its international growth. Brooks will relocate its EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) headquarters to Amsterdam, a move that allows it to deepen ties with runners across the region. Current Brooks President and COO David Bohan will assume the role of president of EMEA, leading the effort to grow the business and execute the company’s strategic goals across Europe.

Heiner Ibing will serve as managing director of the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) and aggressively drive its growth in our quest to lead performance running in the largest run market in EMEA. Two long-time company leaders are also relocating from global headquarters to posts abroad. Hamish Stewart joins the UK team as UK country manager and Dan Rickfelder takes on the role of brand manager, Spain.

In addition, Rob Langstaff has transitioned from the Brooks board of advisors to tackle the role of senior vice president and managing director Asia Pacific and Latin America Regions. Langstaff will continue to build the brand in Japan, the world’s second largest running market, along with leading international business development. In North America, Brooks Canada will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, strengthening its presence in the Canadian running community.

Brooks also reported that in 2013 it posted a 17 percent increase in revenue growth driven by a 16 percent increase in the U.S. and a 27 percent increase in Europe.

Brooks grew its No. 1 market share position at specialty running account stores (SRAs) nationwide with 29 percent year-to-date running footwear retail dollar share. Additionally, the neutral running footwear category accounts for 46 percent of total running shoes sold at SRA year-to-date. The trend toward a more cushioned running experience was also evidenced by the success of the Ravenna, Glycerin, and Ghost, which grew by 72, 53, and 52 percent year-to-date, respectively, according to the company’s 2013 fiscal results. Brooks also reported strong growth in its apparel business which grew 16 percent year-over-year, driven by exciting additions to the line and improved performance product.

Sales momentum wasn’t the only high point for the company in 2013. Brooks received a variety of awards from editors, wear testers, and industry experts, including:


  •     Editor’s Choice award from Runner’s World for the Ghost 6 for the fourth year in a row.
  •     Editor’s Choice award from Runner’s World for the Cascadia 8.
  •     Best Buy award from Runner’s World for the PureConnect 2.
  •     Best Trail Shoe award from Women’s Health for the Cascadia 8.
  •     2013 Vendor of the Year award from the Independent Running Retailers Association (IRRA) for the third year in a row.
  •     2013 Shoe of the Year award from the Independent Running Retailers Association for the Ghost 6.
Brooks will be celebrating its centennial year in 2014 with a new global headquarters in Seattle. Further cementing its position in the Seattle running community, Brooks is moving into its new deep green headquarters on the popular Burke-Gilman Trail. Its new home will act as the neighborhood trailhead and gathering place for all runners and feature Brooks’ first retail concept shop, an experiential showcase for the brand’s full product line.

“2014 will be a huge year for Brooks. We continue to drive strong growth across the globe, and our mission to inspire runners is resonating, as evidenced by our ongoing position as number one at specialty running stores in the U.S.,” said Jim Weber, CEO, Brooks Running Company. “We will harness this momentum in the coming year, celebrating Brooks’ 100-year anniversary with our employees, partners and runners everywhere; moving to our new global headquarters; and unveiling groundbreaking research and product advancements.”

Founded 1914, Brooks is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and is headquartered in Seattle.