Doug Kelly, who joined Russell Athletic as president about a year and half ago, is leaving the company to pursue other interests. No new president will be appointed. Kelly's duties will be divided among several Russell executives: Gary Barfield, Matt Murphy and Geordie Shaw.
Barfield will lead the Russell Athletic and Spalding brands as EVP. Murphy was promoted to senior vice president for team sports and licensing, while Shaw will be the senior vice president of retail.
In a statement, Russell noted that Barfield and Murphy are long-term Russell Athletic veterans, having held various key management responsibilities within the bompany. Shaw has also been an integral part of the Spalding operation for several years.
John Holland remains president and CEO of Fruit of the Loom and Russell Corp.
Holland said in a statement, “These changes place seasoned leaders in strategic roles and will strengthen our ability to expand distribution of Russells authentic and athletically inspired products and build upon the growing strength and market position of the Russell and Spalding Brands. Their knowledge and long experience in the Sporting Goods Industry will bring a new level of awareness of customer expectations, along with the managerial discipline, to execute and support these efforts.”
Kelly became president of Russell Athletic in September 2006, a month after Russell Corp. was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway. Berkshire also owns Fruit of the Loom. Under Kelly's watch, Russell Athletic increased its emphasis on the youth market and significantly expanded its marketing efforts. These included endorsement deals with Arena Football as well as marketing sponsorships with three teams: the Atlanta Falcons, the St. Louis Rams and the Washington Redskins. In late January, Russell Athletic entered into a three-year partnership agreement with NCAA Football to become the “Official Supplier of NCAA Football Youth Products.” This past Saturday, Russell premiered its new 30-second television spot, entitled “Fourth and Inches,” with the kickoff of the AFL season.
Kelly began his career at Converse in 1974, and in 1980 moved to Curley-Bates Co., which distributed Mizuno and Easton in North America. In 1986, he was named president and CEO of Easton Sports after Easton bought Curley-Bates. From 1994 until 2000, Kelly was president and COO of Pro Player Sports Apparel. Just prior to joining Russell, he served as president and CEO of Imperial Home Decor Group.
