Boa Technology Inc. announced the appointment of Shawn Neville to the position of chief executive officer, effective immediately.

The hiring came after an extensive executive search led by Ventura Partners.

Neville joins Boa following his most recent tenure as CEO and chairman of Aerosoles Group, the  footwear company, and remains an active board member of Zildjian Percussion. He began his career at Procter & Gamble and VISA USA after graduating with honors from the University of Denver. His career path turned to the footwear industry when Neville joined Reebok International in the early 90’s, where he served as vice president of USA marketing, general manager of Reebok France & European operations, and senior vice president and general manager of Reebok North America during his tenure. Neville joined Footaction USA as CEO and president in 1998 and led Keds Corp as president from 2004-2008, which was recognized as Global Footwear Marketer of the Year in 2006 and where he also led the successful acquisition of Saucony.

In 2009, Neville joined Avery Dennison as president of its $1.6 billion global retail and information solutions group, which primarily serves the global footwear and apparel industry.

“I am very fortunate to be joining Boa at this exciting time in its history. I am very impressed with Boa’s deep commitment to creating high quality innovative solutions that improve the fit and performance of our brand partners products and I look forward to our next chapter as we invest further in innovation, our brand partnerships, and the Boa brand and team,” said Neville.

“I am confident that with Shawn’s successful track record and passion for innovation, brand building, team building, and this industry, the next chapter of Boa will be even stronger,” said Gary Hammerslag, founder and chairman of the board of Boa Technology. “From our humble beginnings in 2001, when we created a breakthrough closure system for snowboard boots, Boa now works with over 300 premier brand partners around the world that have created products with over 80 million Boa dials, improving how consumers experience fit and performance. And we have only just begun!”

Outside of the office, Neville enjoys spending time with family and friends, supporting non-profit organizations in education, mentoring, the arts, and the environment, as well as experiencing Boa when in the mountains, on his bike, or on the golf course.

Boa Technology is best known for its award-winning Boa System, which consists of three integral parts: a micro-adjustable dial, super-strong lightweight laces, and low friction lace guides. The system is featured across golf, athletic, outdoor, snow sports, cycling, utility, and medical categories.

Photo courtesy Boa