Tom Cove has officially assumed the role of President and CEO of SGMA International, following the retirement of past president John Riddle. Cove is expected to bring about a transformation of the 99-year old organization and its role as the voice of the sporting goods industry.

“SGMA needs to be innovative and aggressive in bringing together our industry for the greater collective good,” said Cove. “SGMA is committed to our core missions of helping our member companies improve their business and promoting the interests of the sporting goods industry to the trade, media, government, and consumers. Whether it be through a trade show, an education seminar, a research product or a lobbying event, SGMA needs to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas, with the goal of improving our members’ ability to succeed. ”

“As a longtime member of SGMA’s Government Relations Committee, I have had a firsthand look at Tom’s strengths and capabilities,” said SGMA Chairman Tom Rogge (President, Cramer Products; Gardner, KS) “I know Tom will do an outstanding job as SGMA’s new president. His knowledge of the sporting goods industry, coupled with his enthusiasm for the position, will make him an ideal leader for SGMA.”

The change in leadership will be accompanied by the relocation of the SGMA Headquarters to Washington, DC from North Palm Beach, Florida, which is expected to be completed June 1, 2005.


“With our move to Washington, our industry is primed to lead the growing national movement to get more Americans to be physically active, be fit and play sports,” Cove added.

Cove joined SGMA in 1991. The scope of his activities has included global business ethics, international trade policy, intellectual property protection, tort reform, product safety, federal funding for recreation and sports fields, and fitness promotion. He is generally credited with leading the national effort to pass landmark legislation to revitalize physical education in our nation’s schools through his advocacy of the Physical Education for Progress (PEP) program.

Cove is the 24th president of the association, but only the third full-time CEO. Preceding John Riddle, Howard Bruns served as SGMA’s first full time president from 1975-1988.