The sporting goods industry lost a leader last week after Everlast Worldwide Chairman and CEO George Horowitz passed way last Monday after a long bout with kidney cancer. He was 55 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, Horowitz had a short career as a teacher in the New York City school system, before entering the apparel business in 1976 as VP of operations of Golden Touch Imports Inc. Twenty-four years later he became CEO and chairman of Everlast in October 2000 after merging his publicly traded company, Active Apparel Group, Inc, into Everlast Holdings Corp., which was a privately held company at the time. He founded Active Apparel Group in 1992.
“Our entire Everlast organization mourns this tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers are with George's wife, Renee, and their family. Our deepest sympathies go out to them,” said Jim Anderson, vice chairman of the board, in a statement.
“George Horowitz was in a class by himself in the sporting goods industry,” said SGMA President Tom Cove. “He was a vibrant leader and a man with great inspiration and vision. Its difficult to imagine the sporting goods industry moving forward without the presence of George Horowitz.”
The company has appointed Georges son, Seth Horowitz, as CEO and chairman, in addition to his current role as president. His daughter, Robin, is also an executive with the company. He is also survived by his wife, Renee, his mother, and three sisters.
In memory of George Horowitz, donations can be made to the Sloan Kettering Foundation or:
Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation
P. O. Box 140998
Staten Island, NY 10314
