The sporting goods industry saw several companies making changes to their respective executive teams.
Schutt Sports named Robert Erb
as CEO. Julie Nimmons stepped back from her active role as CEO to
become chairman of the board of directors in March with president Eric
Ashleman taking over the day-to-day duties of running the company at
that point. Ashleman, who has been with the company since March
2006, will continue to serve as president.
Reebok International promoted
Matt OToole to president of Reebok North America, the brands largest
business unit. OToole, whose appointment becomes effective November 5,
is currently the president and CEO of Reebok-CCM Hockey, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Reebok. O'Toole replaces Bob Munroe, who left the company
in August.
Ashworth, Inc. named Allan
Fletcher as CEO. In addition, the company appointed Greg Slack CFO.
Peter Weil, former Ashworth CEO, has resigned to spend more time with
his family on the East Coast. Weil will continue to provide consulting
services during the 90 days following his departure. In addition to
Weils departure, Eric Hohl, former EVP, CFO and treasurer, has also
left Ashworth.
Wolverine World Wide Inc. made
several key promotions and organizational changes. Among the
appointments, Stephen Gulis, Jr. will become president, Global
Operations Group; Scott Sible will become president of the Outdoor
Group; Nicholas P. Ottenwess will become SVP – operations of the
Outdoor Group; Mark Neal will become president of the global Hush
Puppies Company; and A.T. Payne will become VP and general manager of
the Hush Puppies U.S. business.
Bob Stevenish, president and COO of Modells Sporting Goods, plans to
retire from the northeast sporting goods chain, effective February 1,
2008. CEO Mitchell Modell will assume all of the merchandising
responsibilities that formally belonged to Stevenish.
EMU Australia Lifestyle Footwear appointed
Edward C. Houston Jr. as the company's new CEO. Houston will be charged
with leading EMU's growth in Canada, USA and Central and South America.
Interbike's show director,
Lance Camisasca, will leave his post and begin work as an industry
consultant to Interbike helping the company develop sales &
marketing strategies, identifying new market opportunities, and acting
as Interbike's key liaison for its advocacy and industry relations
efforts. Nielsen Business Media, Interbike's parent company, will not
seek a replacement for the position of group show director for the
Interbike and Health+Fitness Business Expo trade shows, which Camisasca
held.
