The purchase of all Fila subsidiaries worldwide by Sport Brands International, LLC (SBI), from Fila Holding S.p.A. has been completed.
Jon Epstein, 48, formerly CEO of Fila USA, has been named President and CEO of SBI and will assume global responsibility for all operating companies including Fila, Ciesse Piumini and Enyce. Mr. Epstein came to Fila USA in 1998 from Adidas America where he was National Sales Manager.
Joining Mr. Epstein on the SBI management team will be several other senior executives from within Fila and the footwear and apparel industries.
Gene Yoon, 57, has been named CEO and President of SBI in Asia and will oversee all commercial activities in the region including sourcing. Mr. Yoon is founder and CEO of Fila Korea. Formed in 1991, Fila Korea operates 400 franchise stores in that country. Mr. Yoon was Fila’s first footwear sourcing agent in Asia.
Tom ORiordan, 47, will assume the role of CEO of SBI in the Americas. Mr. ORiordan was formerly Chief Operating Officer of Fila USA where he led the financial turnaround of Fila’s largest subsidiary. Prior to joining Fila USA, Mr. ORiordan held a variety of executive operational and sales positions with Adidas America, Nike, Inc. and Brooks Shoe Co. Mr. ORiordan has been with Fila since 1998.
In addition, Robert Galvin, 43, has been named worldwide CFO as well as President of European operations. Mr. Galvin is a highly respected industry leader who most recently was Chief Administrative Officer of Kurt Salmon Associates, a leading consulting firm specializing in the retail and consumer products market. Previously, he had been CFO of Nine West Group Inc., the industry leader among women’s fashion footwear companies. While at Nine West, his responsibilities included leading the company’s global reorganization.
In making the announcement that the purchase of Fila had been finalized, Mr. Epstein said, “Fila is a leading sport brand with global recognition and a rich Italian heritage. We are committed to perpetuating and enhancing Fila’s position in the marketplace and see a tremendous opportunity to successfully leverage the brand and its lifestyle appeal. We are thrilled that Robert Galvin has agreed to join our highly experienced senior management team.”
Mr. Epstein said SBI plans to build the Fila brand in traditional categories including tennis, running, basketball, soccer, fitness and winter sports, as well as sportswear. Additionally, the company plans to build upon its success in motor sports – which began in 2002 through license agreements with world-renowned brands. SBI will also continue to support and grow the highly successful Enyce brand.
