Implus Corporation, a provider of athletic, fitness and outdoor accessories brands, and Berkshire Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, have named Sally McCoy and Chris L. Shimojima to the Implus board of directors.
“Sally and Chris have the type of deep category and industry expertise that will allow us to continue to grow our brand portfolio and strengthen our efforts to reach and engage with consumers across traditional retail and online channels,” said Implus CEO Seth Richards.
McCoy has more than 30 years of experience in the specialty outdoor and active lifestyle industry and is currently the lead independent director for Zumiez. Previously, she was president and CEO of CamelBak, vice president at The North Face and president of Sierra Designs and Ultimate Direction. McCoy was also a co-founder of Silver Steep Partners, the financial firm that advised on the Eagle Creek, Montrail and Helly-Hansen transactions. She is a founding member of the Conservation Alliance and Outdoor Industry Association.
Shimojima is a seasoned retail and e-commerce executive and board director. For six years he served as vice president of Global Digital Commerce at Nike, where he presided over the NikeID mass customization business in 24 countries. Previously, he oversaw Sears’ direct-to-consumer online channels including Sears.com, Kenmore.com, Craftsman.com and specialty catalogs. Recently, Shimojima was CEO of Provide Commerce, a specialty online retailer that included ProFlowers, Shari’s Berries, RedEnvelope, Personal Creations and Gifts.com. The company was successfully sold in 2015 to FTD Group Inc. He also holds other board positions, including with Aurora Health Care, and is an executive mentor and selection committee member for the start-up incubator EvoNexus.
“Our board of directors has never been stronger and we value the experience and insights Sally and Chris bring as Implus continues to focus on an omnichannel approach to category leadership across segments,” said Dave Bordeau, managing director, Berkshire Partners. “These additions will help Implus add greater value to its retailer partners and accelerate growth.”
Headquartered in Durham, NC, Implus’ brands currently include Perfect Fitness, Harbinger, TriggerPoint, Yaktrax, FuelBelt, Sof Sole, Balega, ForceField, Little Hotties, Apara, Airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Penguin, IceTrekkers, FitDeck, DryGuy and now Spenco.
Photo courtesy Perfect Fitness