New Balance will replace Adidas as the official shoe and kit sponsor of the Virgin Money London Marathon in a new long-term agreement.

Black Diamond Inc. shared that Robert Schiller has resigned as executive vice chairman and director in order to pursue other interests. The company also added to its marketing and operations teams.

L.L.Bean plans to open a store in New Haven, CT in the summer of 2018.

VF Corporation completed the sale of its Licensed Sports Group (LSG) business to Fanatics Inc.

Strava has named James Quarles as its CEO. Quarles was most recently the vice president of Instagram Business.

Sports Direct, a U.K. sporting goods chain, said Claire Jenkins has resigned “with immediate effect” from her position as a non-executive director of the company.

LifeStraw, a developer of water filtration and purification products, hired Matt DeWitte as its head of marketing, effective immediately.

Blizzard Tecnica named Justin Heanue to the newly created position of national sales coordinator. Heanue reports directly to Sam Cook, president of Blizzard Tecnica USA.

George Hill, most recently SVP retail operations at Dick’s Sporting Goods, has joined Five Below Inc. as EVP of retail operations.

Lonzo Ball, expected to be a top-three pick in the upcoming NBA draft, has independently come out with his own shoe, the ZO2 by Lonzo Ball. His signature model costs $495 a pair.

Dakine, a producer of backpacks, travel bags, accessories, outerwear and clothing, appointed Gabe Schroder to the role of mountain bike marketing manager.

Gym Source, a retailer of residential and commercial fitness equipment, stated that Ed Pryts will join the company as vice president of sales and marketing.

Hydro Flask, now a Helen of Troy Limited company, signed on as a sponsor of REI Outessa.

Asics and Runkeeper, a mobile running app, continued their collaborative partnership with the Asics Pace Academy Challenge.

John Gilson joined Spy in the role of digital director.

Skechers USA Inc. signed on to sponsor 2015’s Triple Crown-winning jockey, Victor Espinoza, as he begins a new run for the series at the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby this Saturday.

Dale of Norway, a premium Norwegian sweater and weatherproof outerwear company, named Scott and Heidi Godsil of SPG Group as the new sales representatives for CO, UT, WY and NM.

Skechers signed All-Star Dominican-American baseball slugger David Ortiz for a multi-platform global marketing campaign.

Zamst, a global leader in high-performance sports injury prevention and protective equipment, renewed its partnership with Canadian professional ice hockey player Ryan Getzlaf.

Helmet manufacturer Xenith partnered with Rivals Professional Football League (RPFL), an adult professional developmental football league to the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL) and Arena Football League (AFL).

Kelty, a provider of adventure gear, will partner with nonprofit Outdoor Women’s Alliance (OWA) for the month of May.

TYR joined DelMoSports as the Official Swim Partner for its 2017 events.

Icebreaker appointed Greg Smith as CEO. Smith is currently general manager responsible for New Zealand and Australia for the brand.

Dick’s Sporting Goods will be opening three new stores in May.

Teva unveiled its second collaboration with Grammy nominated artist Jhené Aiko.

Bowtech Archery hired Matt Katzfuss as Territory Manager for Wisconsin, Minnesota and select national accounts.

Supra appointed Kara Duffy as the brand’s new senior global director of product.

Aetrex Worldwide Inc. added Gerimais to its network of distribution partners.

Photo courtesy London Marathon