Drew Stauffacher was promoted from VP of Operations to president. He has worked for the franchise brand for 13 years. Shannon Hudson, founder and CEO of Striking Brands, the parent company, will shift his focus to overseeing the management of the company’s brand portfolio.
Category: Sports/Fitness
Reebok Appoints New Head of Basketball
Reebok has named Jide Osifeso, founder of the contemporary menswear label Hymne, as its new head of basketball. Reebok re-entered the basketball category following its acquisition by Authentic Brands Group in 2022.
On Inks Partnerships with ITA and AIU; Amplifies Commitment to Clean Sports
The new strategic partnerships with the ITA and AIU are critical cornerstones of On’s “Athlete Compass” program, which embodies its holistic approach to athlete support.
Five Iron Golf to Open Locations in New York and Connecticut
New franchise locations are underway in New York (Port Chester and Syracuse) and Norwalk, CT. The golf-entertainment venue operates 34 locations in 15 states and five countries, with a reported over 50 in development.
The Lycra Company Promotes Melissa Riggs to Chief Marketing Officer
Riggs brings over two decades of brand-building experience in consumer packaged goods and the apparel and footwear industries to her new role, including experience with the Gore-Tex brand.
Nike, Inc. Names Amy Montagne Nike Brand President as Heidi O’Neill Retires
Amy Montagne was named president, Nike Brand; Phil McCartney appointed EVP and chief innovation, design & product officer; Nicole Graham appointed EVP and CMO; and Tom Clarke named chief growth initiatives officer.
Pickleball Kingdom Franchise Opening in Manchester, CT
Spanning 30,681 square feet and featuring 10 professional-grade indoor courts, led by franchise group Pickleball X Equity, the member-based club will open in late 2025
EXEC: Analysts Offer Take on Skechers USA Going Private in $9.4 Billion Deal
Amid significant uncertainty in the marketplace caused by the President’s trade war, Skechers USA agreed to be acquired by private equity firm 3G Capital for $9.4 billion in a move that will end its 26-year run in the public markets. The sale announcement follows a decision by Skechers not to offer full-year guidance in April due to trade uncertainties with shoe companies highly exposed to President Trump’s tariffs.
OrderMyGear Promotes Drew Simon to VP of Engineering
In his new role, Simon will evolve the technical platform to support advanced functionality and to unify OMG’s solution portfolio. Simon will also oversee platform stability and ongoing improvements across OMG’s services.
Gold’s Gym Closes Last Two Locations in El Paso
Gold’s Gym’s El Paso Instagram account states, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to close our Gold’s Gym locations in El Paso.”
Amped Fitness To Enter Houston Market with Two New Clubs
Amped Fitness, the Florida-based HVLP chain, is making its debut this summer in Houston, TX, with the opening of two new clubs, Amped Fitness Willowbrook and Amped Fitness Gessner
EXEC: SFIA State of the Industry Report Reveals Healthy Industry Profits in 2024
Besides tariffs and economic concerns, the SFIA State of the Industry Report outlines that industry executives are pleased with recent performance results and are upbeat about prospects.
Escalade’s Q1 Sales Slide 3 Percent
Escalade, Inc. reported improved earnings climbed 44.4 percent with a boost from improved gross margins. Sales were down 3.2 percent, although growth was achieved in archery, outdoor games, darting, and safety categories.
SGB Media Relaunches SGB Sports & Fitness Update Newsletter
The publishing company, which has focused on the active lifestyle market since 2003, is now delivering a weekly SGB Sports & Fitness Update email newsletter each Friday afternoon, except for holidays, to provide a focused view and weekly wrap of the top stories of the week for sports and fitness industry professionals heading into the weekend.
Report: Performance FW Outperforms Total FW Market in Q1; Running Grows 7 Percent
The retail tracking and market advisory firm reported that Sport Lifestyle, or athleisure sneakers, once again was the largest footwear segment, growing almost 1 percent for the quarter. Performance Footwear grew 4 percent during the period, led by Running.
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