Russell Corporation has promoted Calvin Johnston to CEO of Russell Athletic. Johnston had been president of JERZEES Europe. He will relocate to Atlanta from Scotland and report to Jon Letzler, president and COO for the Corporation.
“We are extremely pleased that Calvin has accepted this new challenge with Russell,” said Letzler. “Calvin's background in the athletic market coupled with his international experience and knowledge of Russell made him the best candidate for the position. Additionally, we believe Russell Athletic will benefit from the same business discipline and creative strategies he has brought to our JERZEES operation in Europe.”
Johnston had been in the athletic products business prior to joining Russell as managing director for JERZEES Europe in November 2000. He had previously been vice president and general manager for a portion of Brunswick Corporation's sports and recreational equipment lines in Europe. He also managed the international business for Rollerblade as director of international marketing. Additionally, Johnston spent more than 10 years with Helene Curtis, a division of Unilever, where he held several sales and marketing positions in both the U.S. and internationally.
Johnston earned his MBA in marketing and management strategy from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University and a B.A. degree from the University of Florida.
