EXEC: WFSGI Elects Nike and New Balance Execs Board Co-Chairs

The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) elected Dave Wheeler, chief operating officer of New Balance, and Jorge Casimiro, chief public affairs and public policy officer at Nike, as co-chairs of its new Board, marking the first time two American brands have led the federation together.

WFSGI said that combined, New Balance and Nike “represent a cornerstone of the US sporting goods industry, which contributes billions to the national economy and generates hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs.”

The election of a new board and co-chairs for the coming three years was announced at the federation’s annual general assembly held in Boston and hosted at The Track at New Balance athletics stadium. The board also approved a new three-year strategic plan.

“On behalf of New Balance, I’m honored to host the 2026 WFSGI General Assembly and to be elected as Co-Chair at such an important moment in our federation’s history. This gathering of our incredible member companies here in Boston is a testament to the forward-looking strength of our new three-year strategic plan.  We have a unique opportunity to amplify the power of sport for positive impact on individuals and teams around the world.  We are committed to working as a team to shape policy, set the agenda and mobilize collective action to deliver sustainable business growth across the sporting goods industry,” said Wheeler.

“We have the immense honor and opportunity to lead the industry that moves the world. WFSGI has been at the forefront of sport since 1978, and this Board and this leadership team will take us to our 50th anniversary with incredible sporting moments inspiring billions of people along the way. We know the world needs sport more than ever before, and it’s up to all of us to make this a reality for everyone,” said Casimiro.

WFSGI said the event being held in Boston recognizes that the city is the host for seven games of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the first World Cup to span three nations, as the United States is set to host several major sporting events over the next decade.

“From the Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics in 2028, to the Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033, and the Salt Lake City Winter Games in 2034, the United States is set to be the center of the sporting world for the better part of the next ten years. The brands and executives in the room today will be among those shaping how the industry shows up for each of those moments to deliver industry growth and a sustained participation legacy,” said Emma Zwiebler, CEO, WFSGI.

New WFSGI Board 2026 to 2029
Dave Wheeler and Jorge Casimiro, together with WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler, will lead the new 31-member board selected from across the Americas, Asia and Oceania, Europe and Africa. Click here for the full list of newly elected WFSGI Board Members.

WFSGI said the newly elected board takes the helm “at a pivotal moment for the industry.” The federation noted that 81 percent of young people aged 11-17 globally are not meeting the WHO-recommended levels of physical activity, and that up to $169 billion in global industry revenue is at risk by 2030 due to rising inactivity and climate change challenges.

Outgoing WFSGI Chair Andy Rubin, Pentland Group vice chair, said, “Incredible work has been done over the past three years to align our industry in tackling rising physical inactivity rates. I know the new WFSGI board will continue to drive decisive and coordinated action to address this health and societal crisis across both the private and public sectors.”

New Strategic Plan Paving the Way