New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of two associates. Fran Allen becomes Executive Vice President Sales, U.S. & Canada, while Joe Preston now holds the position of Vice President, International.

Fran Allen joined New Balance in 1991 as Vice President Sales, U.S. & Canada. Allen recently took sales responsibilities for Team Sports and licensed products at New Balance as well as oversight of the company’s factory outlet division. An Abington, MA resident, Allen holds a BA from Princeton College and earned his MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College.

Joe Preston, a New Balance associate since 1995, began his New Balance career as Senior Product Manager, Running and Custom Products, before moving on to lead Dunham in 1998 as Division Manager. Preston was named Vice President International, Asia/Pacific in 2002. In his new role, Preston will manage all aspects of the company’s international business including Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A Northboro, MA resident, Preston holds a BS from Merrimack College and earned his MBA from Babson Graduate School of Business.

Ed Haddad, previously Area Vice President, International Sales, will become Vice President of Intellectual Properties and Licensed Products. In this role, he will initiate and administer all licensed contracts and ensure that all marketing and web content is compliant with company standards. He will also monitor the web for trademark infringement worldwide and will administrate and maintain all patent, copyright and trademark requests.

“These individuals each bring unique strengths to their respective positions,” says Jim Tompkins, President and COO for New Balance. “Their teamwork and leadership skills reflect the core values of the company and will enable New Balance to continue to achieve our goals.”