EXEC: Gene Yoon, Chairman of Fila and Titleist Brands Parent, Transitions to Honorary Chairman

Misto Holdings, the South Korean parent of Fila, Titleist, FootJoy, and other sports lifestyle brands, announced that founder Gene Yoon has transitioned to the honorary chairman role as part of a planned leadership succession, formally handing over executive control to president and CEO Kevin Yoon.

Gene Yoon founded the business that would become Misto Holdings, formerly Fila Holdings, in the early 1990s, introducing the Fila brand to the Korean market and later leading a series of transformational transactions. In 2007, the company acquired the global Fila trademark rights through a leveraged buyout, followed by the 2011 acquisition of Acushnet Company, owner of the Titleist and FootJoy brands. The transaction was among the largest cross-border deals in Korea’s consumer sector at the time and significantly expanded the group’s global footprint.

Gene Yoon has been the chairman of Misto Holdings Corp. since 1994 and served as its CEO from 1991 until March 2018.

Under his leadership, the company evolved into a multi-brand global portfolio spanning sportswear, golf equipment, and apparel, generating approximately $3.08 billion in annual revenue. Other brands owned by Misto Holdings include Scotty Cameron, Vokey Design, KJus, Pinnacle, Links & Kings, Club Glove, Alife, and Holy No.7. It has distribution arrangements with Matin Kim and Marithé + François Girbaud and licensing deals with Raive and Rest & Recreation.

As honorary chairman, Gene Yoon will remain closely engaged with the company, providing guidance on long-term strategy and global portfolio development while supporting management from a broader strategic perspective.

Kevin Yoon has spent nearly two decades in senior roles across the group’s global operations and is the son of Gene Yoon. He has been the president and CEO of Misto Holdings Corp. since March 2018. From July 2016 to March 2018, Kevin Yoon served as chief financial officer and executive vice president of Misto’s Strategic Planning and Footwear Division.

“Building on the founder’s legacy, our priority is to expand our global portfolio, strengthen governance and deliver sustainable value creation,” said Kevin Yoon.

Misto’s common stock is publicly traded and listed on the Korea Exchange.

Image courtesy Fila/Misto Holdings