Sport Brands International, which recently purchased Fila and all its subsidiaries worldwide, has named Christopher Blumhard as Vice President Global Tax & Corporate Finance for the company.

In his new role, Mr. Blumhard will be responsible for the company's global tax function including all aspects of international tax planning, compliance and audit. He will play a key role in bringing value to the organization as it seeks to restructure its operations and internal processes. Mr. Blumhard will also manage Fila's worldwide risk management program while reporting to Bob Galvin, global CFO and President of European Operations for Sport Brands International (SBI), the new holding company that recently purchased Fila and its subsidiaries.

Mr. Blumhard, 48, comes to SBI with extensive corporate tax experience in complex multi-national environments.

Prior to joining SBI, Mr. Blumhard was most recently at York International Corporation, holding the position of Vice President, Business Transformation. While at York International in his capacity as Chief Tax Officer, he led a team that was recognized by CFO Magazine for its achievements.

As Vice President, Tax at Loctite Corporation, Mr. Blumhard managed the transition of global tax planning and compliance as a result of the Henkel KGaA acquisition that impacted over 40 countries and 75 subsidiaries.

Throughout his 25-year career in corporate tax, Mr. Blumhard has gained additional consumer product experience with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Revlon, Inc, Merck & Company, Inc., and Schering-Plough Corporation.

“Chris Blumhard brings years of global tax expertise to the SBI team,” said Bob Galvin, Sport Brands International CFO and President of European Operations. “His extensive and diverse corporate finance and global tax experience will be a benefit during the restructuring process and in the years ahead. We will look for Chris to strengthen our fiscal processes and ensure global tax compliance.”

Mr. Blumhard is originally from Westfield, New Jersey and is a graduate of Westminster College in Pennsylvania. He has an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. During his free time, Mr. Blumhard enjoys hiking, cycling and sailing.