Asics America Corp. will add CEO responsibilities to the to the role of current Asic America President Kevin Wulff, effective April 1, when Nobuo Oda, the company’s current CEO, retires. Wulff will become the first CEO for Asics America who is non-Japanese.
Wulff joined Asics as chief operating officer in August 2010 and added the president to his title in February 2011 with the planned retirement of Rich Bourne. He will retain the title of president.
Oda, who is returning to Japan and spending more time with his family, will remain as a board member for Asics Corporation (Japan) and as an advisor to Asics America.
“I pass the CEO title on to Kevin Wulff who has spent the last eight months learning the business and will be a great leader for Asics America. I have greatly enjoyed my experience in the U.S,” commented Nobuo Oda.
“I am honored to take on this new role and look forward to building upon the current Asics momentum and to achieve the company's ambitious brand and business goals for the future,” said Wulff.
Key initiatives for Wulff moving forward include the launch of the 33 collection, a lightweight footwear collection that encourages natural foot movement; the expansion of apparel and accessories; and a new distribution center that will improve its service levels.
Prior to Asics, Wulff was president and CEO of Pony International from 2007-2010, president and CEO of American Sporting Goods from 2004-2007, and CEO and chairman of the Women's Tennis Association from 2001-2003. He has also spent over 10 years at Nike holding various management positions and 17 years at Miller Brewing Co.
