Balega Hires Brand Manager
Balega, a leading performance sock brand in the run specialty market, welcomes Mary Hannah Andrews as Balega brand manager. Hannah will oversee Balega’s brand’s promotional programs as well as support the expansion of Balega’s parent company, Implus, and its Implus Run Specialty Group division.

Asics to Appoint Yasuhito Hirota President
Motoi Oyama, chairman and CEO, said, “Approaching my eleventh year in the role, the decision to appoint a new president was taken in order to ensure that the group can advance as one towards the next stage of our medium-term strategy, the Asics Growth Plan (AGP) 2020.”

Famous Footwear’s President to Retire
Caleres announced Rick Ausick, president of Famous Footwear, will retire in 2018 as part of a planned succession. Ausick joined Caleres in 2002 as Famous Footwear’s SVP and chief merchandise officer and eventually became division president in 2010.

North Face Adds Alpine Climber David Lama to Global Athlete Team
Beginning as a competition climber, Lama was the youngest person ever to win a climbing World Cup in both Lead and Bouldering.

Susquehanna Upgrades Dick’s SG To Positive On Weather Benefit
Believing the retailer’s fourth-quarter results should surprise on the upside given management’s conservative guidance and the benefits of cold weather, Susquehanna Financial Group raised its rating on Dick’s Sporting Goods to “Positive” from “Neutral.”
Seirus Appoints Production Operations Manager
Seirus Innovation, specialists in cold weather accessories, hired Colin Murray as production operations manager. Prior to joining Seirus, Murray served as the supply chain director at Bridgemore Tech.
Lowa Announces New Southeast Sales Team
Lowa Boots welcomed The Summit Group as the company’s new Southeast sales team.

Gander Outdoors Announces Openings for Three Locations
Gander Outdoors, formerly known as Gander Mountain, is opening stores in Fredericksburg, VA; Chesterfield, MO; and Muncy, PA.

Mudder Dog Obstacle Course Launched
Tough Mudder Inc. is hosting its first Ruff Mudder – an obstacle course especially designed for dogs – at the Tough Mudder Los Angeles Event Weekend on Saturday, March 3 at Polsa Rosa Ranch in Acton, CA.

UGG Collective Launches For Spring/Summer 2018
The Ugg Collective is a diverse group of individuals who forge their own path in life, have interesting things to say about living in California and are connected by their values.

Target Launches Exclusive Umbro Kids Line
Said Mark Tritton, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Target. “Soccer is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. and continues to grow in popularity among our guests. As the only mass retailer to sell Umbro, we’re giving more families access to the sport through stylish and affordable apparel and gear.”
Quiksilver Sign U.S. Skier Sammy Carlson
The 29-year-old from Mount Hood, OR gained international notoriety for his success in competitive freeskiing early in his career before ditching the podium and focusing purely on progressing the sport.

Dick’s Adds Lauren Hobart To Its Board
Dick’s Sporting Goods said in a regulatory filing that Lauren R. Hobart, the company’s president, has joined its board of directors.
Butler Completes North American Sales Team
Butler, the maker of adaptable footwear for kids made in the USA, announced the completion of its North American sales team.

Sheikh Shoes To Pursue Sale
Shiekh Shoes, in bankruptcy proceedings since November 29, is now exploring a sale of the chain as well as a reorganization with current owners.