This week saw a number of high level executive appointments in the outdoor and snow sports industries with CXO titles doled out to several industry veterans. In addition, a few companies brought in some new talent from outside the industry to take the helm.

New Balance Athletic Shoe went outside the company and footwear industry in naming Robert DeMartini as their new CEO. Founder Jim Davis remains chairman. DeMartini has more than twenty-two years of experience in the consumer products industry, including Procter & Gamble and Gillette. He most recently was group VP of Tyson Foods, Consumer Products Division, where he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s $6 billion consumer products business, including marketing, sales and operations.

Wolverine World Wide's president and COO Blake Krueger became CEO and president, succeeding Timothy O'Donovan, who was re-elected chairman. Krueger has been president and COO of Wolverine since July 2006, and previously ran Wolverine's Heritage Brands Group, where he spearheaded the successful revitalization of the global Caterpillar Footwear business that has led to significant sales and profit increases over the past several years. Prior to that position, he served for 10 years as an EVP with responsibilities for the human resources, retail, business development, accessory licensing, acquisitions and legal areas.

Phoenix Footwear Group, the parent of Royal Robbins and H.S. Trask, named Cathy Taylor as CEO, effective April 23. James Riedman, who had served as Phoenix's interim CEO, will continue in his role as chairman. Taylor spent 20 years with Cole Haan and Nike, Inc., following their acquisition of Cole Haan, including president and CEO of Cole Haan. Taylor also has served as president and CEO of Wenger North America, and CEO of Vivre, Inc. She was most recently a consultant, and had worked with Phoenix Footwear's Tommy Bahama footwear division.

Rick Oleksyk has been named president of ForeFront Holdings’ primary operating subsidiary, ForeFront Group Inc., which owns the Datrek, Burton Golf, Miller Golf, Sir Christopher Hatton and Devant Sport Towel brands. Oleksyk was formerly president of PrideSports, where he was responsible for global business surrounding the company’s golf tee, accessory and plastic cleat categories. In his new position, Oleksyk will be responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day leadership of sales and marketing for ForeFront, as well as daily management of other operational areas.

Quiksilver appointed Joe Scirocco, formerly CFO at Tommy Hilfiger Corp., as its new CFO, and ,b>David Morgan, formerly EVP of finance and operations, as COO. Steve Brink, the former CFO, has decided to resign to pursue other interests, however, he will continue with the company for some time to ensure a smooth transition and to provide consulting services.

Burton Snowboards hired Chuck Mason, formerly national director of sales at Ride Snowboards, as its new VP of North American sales. At Ride, Mason directed a comprehensive sales effort for all of Ride Snowboards product categories, including snowboarding equipment, apparel and accessories. In addition, Mason directed sales for K2, Morrow and 5150.

Mason will be charged with developing the strategic sales plans for Burton, R.E.D. and Anon in North America. In addition, he will oversee North American Burton, R.E.D. and Anon sales management staff and independent sales organizations. Mason will be based in Burton’s Burlington, Vermont offices and will begin his new role in mid-May. Reporting to Burton’s executive vice president and general manager, Clark Gundlach. Chuck is charged with developing the strategic sales plans for Burton, R.E.D. and Anon in North America.