New CEOs at Academy Sports, Adidas, Asics, Gap, Kohl’s, Sportsman’s Warehouse, VF Corp., Vista Outdoor, and Wolverine Worldwide headlined the C-suite moves that transformed leadership across the active lifestyle space in 2023.
SGB Media also noted the proliferation of “Chief xxx Officer” appointments and title changes that appear to have replaced the SVP or EVP titles management once strived to achieve but also found the use of the titles for several expanded responsibilities for new roles in 2023 beyond the CEO, COO, CFO, and CMO titles.
The shifts in the corner office around the active lifestyle market appeared to accelerate toward year-end once again as companies worked to put new leadership in place for 2024.
Other companies that realigned leadership roles included Athleta, Cotopaxi, DTLR, Foot Locker, Journeys, Life Fitness, Merrell, Newell Brands, Nike, Pacific Sunwear, Pelican Products, Pure Fishing, Salomon Americas, Simms Fishing, Saucony, Superfeet, Timberland, and Thule.
Below are the notable executive changes by month that SGB Media reported in 2023.
December 2023
Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Chief Supply Chain Officer; Jim Zwiers to Exit
Bishu Jayaram was promoted to the newly created role of chief supply chain officer, responsible for global sourcing, distribution, logistics, and integrated planning. Jim Zwiers, EVP and president of the Global Operations Group will transition away from the company in early 2024.
Canada Goose Appoints Co-President
Canada Goose appointed Beth Clymer to the newly created role of president, finance, strategy and administration, effective January 8, 2024. Clymer will oversee finance, people and culture, corporate strategy, and legal matters with those who drive these functions.
PrimaLoft Promotes Cavassa to CEO, Joyce to Retire
Compass Diversified appointed Anne Cavassa as CEO of its subsidiary, PrimaLoft Inc., effective January 1, 2024. This move follows Cavassa’s recent appointment as president and as the former president and CEO, Mike Joyce steps into retirement at year-end.
Savage Arms Appoints New CEO as Al Kaspar Retires
Al Kasper, who has led the company for more than a decade, will retire effective December 31, 2023. Chris Bezzina, who joined Savage in 2007, will succeed him.
Timberland Appoints Global Brand President
Timberland appointed Nina Flood as global brand president. She had been interim Timberland president following Susie Mulder’s exit on November 8.
Strava Appoints Former Nike Exec as CEO
The fitness app hired Michael Martin as CEO, replacing Michael Horvath. Currently, Martin serves as the GM of YouTube Shopping.
Nobull Appoints Ex-Timberland President as COO
Nobull appointed Susie Mulder, the former global brand president of Timberland, as chief operating officer.
SFIA Names Chief Operating Officer
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association hired Glenn Horine as chief operating officer, effective January 1, 2024, reporting to SFIA president and CEO Tom Cove.
Gildan Activewear Names New CEO as Chamandy Exits
Gildan Activewear, Inc. President, CEO and Board Director Glenn J. Chamandy left the company, and Vince Tyra has been appointed president and CEO, effective February 12, 2024.
Nobull Appoints Ex-Timberland President as COO
Nobull appointed Susie Mulder, the former global brand president of Timberland, as chief operating officer,
Vista Outdoor Appoints Co-CEOs Ahead of Split
As part of the previously announced plan to sell its ammo business to Czechoslovak Group and change the remaining company’s name to Revelyst, Vista Outdoor, Inc. named Eric Nyman and Jason Vanderbrink as co-CEOs.
Champion Names VP, Chief Marketing Officer
HanesBrands named Richard Mcleod as VP and chief marketing officer of Global Champion. He joined the company from Canada Goose, where he was SVP of brand.
5.11 Tactical to Transition Senior Leadership
Francisco J. Morales, co-founder and former CEO, will be promoted to executive chair of the Board of Directors, while 5.11 Board member Troy R. Brown will become CEO, effective January 1, 2024.
Saxx Taps Ecco Americas C-Suite for New CEO
Underwear maker Saxx appointed Tom Berry as CEO, succeeding Wendy Bennison. Most recently, Berry was president and CEO of the America region for the Danish footwear company Ecco.
November 2023
Swiftwick Appoints New CEO
Swiftwick hired former Away executive Mark Chou as CEO.
K-Swiss Appoints Barney Waters as International Brand President
K-Swiss hired Barney Waters, its former brand president, as international brand president.
Nike Reshuffles Leadership in Design, Marketing and Technology
Nike, Inc. implemented several executive changes and additions, highlighted by John Hoke becoming chief innovation officer, Martin Lotti assuming the role of chief design officer, Nicole Hubbard Graham rejoining Nike as chief marketing officer, and Muge Erdirik Dogan joining Nike as chief technology officer.
Genesco Taps Foot Locker Exec as Journeys Group President
Genesco, Inc. appointed Andy Gray as president of the Journeys Group, effective January 3, 2024. He joins the company from Foot Locker, Inc., succeeding Mario Gallione, who announced his retirement plans in August.
Craft Sportswear NA Sees CEO Transition as HQ Moves West
Craft Sportswear North America said Jake Rawson will replace long-time U.S. CEO Eric Schenker at the close of 2023 as part of a plan to move Craft’s U.S. headquarters from Beverly, MA, to Seattle, WA. Rawson was the global concept director of Cutter & Buck. Both Craft and Cutter & Buck are owned by the Sweden-based New Wave Group.
Tommy Hilfiger Appoints New Global President
PVH Corp. appointed Lea Rytz Goldman as the global brand president of Tommy Hilfiger, effective Spring 2024. Rytz Goldman is currently the managing director of COS.
Roark Names Active Lifestyle Industry Vet as CEO
New CEO Jason Steris joined action sports brand Volcom in its early years and spent 23 years at the brand, holding various positions from national sales manager to COO, president and CEO. More recently, he was CEO at the motocross and mountain bike gear brand Troy Lee Designs.
National Golf Foundation Sets Leadership Transition
The National Golf Foundation appointed Greg Nathan as CEO. Joe Beditz, the current CEO, will transition to executive chairman. The NGF Board approved the changes to take effect on January 1, 2024. Nathan assumed the role of president earlier in 2022.
Manitobah Hires New CEO; Makes Key Leadership Appointments
Manitobah, the indigenous footwear brand based in Winnipeg, hired Carolyn MacNaughton, who formerly worked for Nike and Under Armour, as CEO.
Christy Sports Appoints New CEO, Marketing and Merchandising Chiefs
Christy Sports appointed Pete LaBore as CEO, Mimi Nuelle as chief merchandising officer, and Danielle Quatrochi as chief marketing officer. LaBore and Nuelle both previously worked at Backcountry while Quatrochi formerly held marketing roles at Nike and Finish Line.
Columbia Sportswear Hires President, Sorel Brand
Columbia Sportswear Co. hired Cory Long, formerly global general manager and chief global merchant of DC Shoes, as president of the Sorel brand.
PrimaLoft Hires Anne Cavassa as New President
PrimaLoft, Inc. hired industry veteran Anne Cavassa as president. Most recently she was president of Saucony.
Oiselle Names New CEO
Oiselle hired Arielle Knutson as CEO. She joins the women’s running brand from Nuun Hydration, where, most recently, she was VP of marketing.
Garmont Names New CEO
Italian outdoor footwear brand Garmont International hired Andrea Nalesso as CEO. Nalesso takes over from Pierangelo Bressan, who remains chairman of the board and a Garmont shareholder.
October 2023
MEC Appoints New CEO
Canadian outdoor gear retailer MEC promoted COO Peter Hlynsky to CEO, succeeding Eric Claus, who led the retailer during the filing for creditor protection and sale to U.S.-based private investment firm Kingswood Capital Management. Hlynsky has been with the company since November 2020 as chief financial officer and chief operations officer.
Costco’s Longtime CEO to Step Down at End of Year
Costco Wholesale Corp. said Craig Jelinek, CEO since 2012, plans to step down, effective January 1, 2024. Ron Vachris, president and COO since February 2022, will succeed Jelinek as president and CEO.
New Era Appoints General Manager for North America
New Era Cap, LLC hired Steve Gallo, most recently president of Oofos, as general manager for North America.
Core Health & Fitness Appoints New CEO
Core Health & Fitness appointed industry veteran Bryan K. O’Rourke as CEO. O’Rourke will work together with Founder and Chairman Michael Bruno.
Vans President Steps Down
Vans’ global brand president Kevin Bailey stepped down but continues at VF Corp. in an executive role to help guide the company’s new “Reinvent” transformation program. A search for a new Vans president continues.
Johnnie-O Names 25-Year Patagonia Exec as CEO
Johnnie-O named John Collins as CEO and Board member, succeeding Dave Gatto.
Academy Sports Names Sam Johnson President as Mullican Departs
The retailer announced that Michael Mullican is stepping down as president to pursue personal and professional opportunities. Sam Johnson, EVP of retail operations, is his successor.
Asics Names New President and CEO for North America
Koichiro Kodama returned to Asics North America as president and CEO. He was CEO of Asics North America from February 2019 until December 2020. He replaced Richard Sullivan, president and CEO of the North American business since January 2022.
September 2023
Peloton Appoints New Product Chief as Co-Founder Moves to Advisory Role
Peloton hired Nick Caldwell as chief product officer, effective November 1, 2023. Caldwell succeeded Peloton Co-Founder, Tom Cortese.
Nordstrom, Inc. Promotes Three to Key Leadership Roles
Nordstrom promoted Jamie Nordstrom to chief merchandising officer, Fanya Chandler to president of Nordstrom Stores and Gemma Lionello to president of Nordstrom Rack.
Mizuno Adds 25-year Industry Product Vet to Leadership Team
The company added Chris Brewer as senior director of running. With a career spanning over 25 years, Brewer has held key positions at industry players such as Adidas, Under Armour, and Fila.
Tommy John Snags New CEO from Calvin Klein
Tommy John tapped Cheryl Abel-Hodges, formerly CEO of Calvin Klein, as CEO.
Volumental Expands in North America; Appoints Hollowell as GM
Volumental, the fit technology company based in Stockholm, appointed current CMO and seasoned footwear industry veteran Brent Hollowell as general manager for its North American operations to accelerate growth in the region.
Asics Corp. Appoints New Chairman & CEO and New President & COO
Asics Corp. appointed Yasuhito Hirota, president, CEO and COO, to chairman and CEO, while Mitsuyuki Tominaga, managing executive officer, CDO and CIO, became president and COO
POC Appoints Cycling Industry Vet as New CEO
POC, based in Sweden, appointed Derek Bouchard-Hall as CEO. Before joining the helmets, eyewear, protection, and apparel manufacturer, Bouchard-Hall was CEO of Assos, president and CEO of USA Cycling and the director of International at Wiggle.
Fanatics Appoints New CEO for Commerce Business as Doug Mack Retires
Fanatics hired Andrew Low Ah Kee as CEO of Fanatics Commerce.
Planet Fitness CEO Departs
Planet Fitness, Inc. said its Board of Directors transitioned to new leadership, resulting in Chris Rondeau’s departure as company CEO. Craig R. Benson, a Board member, was appointed interim CEO.
Pelican Products Appoints James Curleigh as CEO
The maker of protective cases, coolers, outdoor accessories, and temperature-controlled packaging, appointed James Curleigh as CEO. The outdoor industry veteran was, most recently, CEO of Gibson Guitars.
Zanders Sporting Goods Appoints President/COO and Director of Procurement
Zanders Sporting Goods promoted Dan Siegler to president and chief operating officer and Luke Poston to director of procurement.
Macy’s Appoints New CEO of Bloomingdale’s
Macy’s, Inc. named Olivier Bron as its next CEO of Bloomingdale’s. Most recently, he was the CEO of Central Group’s Central and Robinson Department Stores in Thailand and previously COO of French retail group Galeries Lafayette.
Authentic Appoints EVP to Manage Former Boardriders Brand Portfolio
Authentic Brands Group hired David Brooks as EVP of action and outdoor sports lifestyle. Most recently, Brooks with the global general manager for RVCA and Boardriders Partnerships at Boardriders.
Völkl Names Global Brand Business Director
Völkl promoted Markus Knipschild to global brand business director, a new position, responsible for the strategic direction of the brand.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Names New CEO
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc. appointed Paul Stone, a former executive at Cabela’s, as CEO and president.
DTLR Names New CEO
DTLR, acquired by JD Sports in May 2021, named Todd Kirssin as CEO. He had been president and chief merchandising officer since January 2020.
Under Armour Names Chief Design Officer
Under Armour appointed fashion industry veteran John Varvatos as chief design officer, leading the design direction for the company and overseeing its design studios in New York, Baltimore and Portland, OR.
Salomon Hires President of Salomon Americas
Salomon hired Steve Doolan as president of Salomon Americas, effective October 23, leading the business from its regional headquarters in Ogden, UT. Most recently, Doolan was the VP and general manager of Hoka U.S.
Grundéns Hires New CEO from Rapala
The producer of fishing apparel and footwear hired Nicolas Cederström Warchalowski as CEO. Most recently, Warchalowski was the CEO of Rapala, the sport fishing company.
August 2023
Dansko Appoints New President; Fox Transitions to Exec Chair
Dansko promoted Kitty Bolinger, formerly EVP of sales & marketing, to president. Dansko’s CEO, Jim Fox, transitioned to the newly created role of executive chairman.
Walmart Makes Leadership Changes Across Operating Segments
Walmart said Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, will retire and be succeeded by Kath McLay. Chris Nicholas becomes president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., and Kieran Shanahan, EVP and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S.
Foot Locker, Inc. Makes Flurry of New Appointments to Address a Changing Marketplace
Hires included Kristin Bauer, with experience at TCGPlayer.com, TJ Maxx, Ulta Beauty and Target, as chief supply chain officer; Jennifer Kraft, most recently at Starbucks, as EVP and general counsel; and Mike Baughn, most recently at Kohl’s, as new EVP and CFO.
WFSGI Sets CEO Succession Plan
The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) said Emma (Mason) Zwiebler will replace Robbert de Kock as CEO of the organization. Zwiebler joined WFSGI five years ago and has been VP of strategic and external affairs since 2019.
Certor Sports, Parent to Schutt, Tucci and Vicis, Names CEO
Certor Sports named Jeremy Erspamer its CEO, overseeing Certor Sports’ portfolio, including Schutt, Tucci and Vicis. Before Certor Sports, Erspamer spent two years as CEO of Equustock, and nearly 15 years at True Temper Sports, most recently as president and CEO.
Wolverine Worldwide Appoints New CEO as Brendan Hoffman Departs
The Board of Directors appointed Chris Hufnagel as president and CEO of the company and a member of the Board of Directors. He succeeded Brendan Hoffman.
Johnson Outdoors Hires Industry Vet to Run Fishing Business
Johnson Outdoors hired Bill Kirchner as the group VP of the Fishing segment. Kirchner joined the company from Newell Brands, where he was the SVP and general manager of its Outdoor Equipment segment since 2020.
Mitchell & Ness Names New CEO as Kevin Wulff Retires
Eli Kumekpor was named the retro brand’s CEO. Kumekpor was most recently global VP and general manager of the Jordan Brand’s men’s business. He succeeded Kevin Wulff, who retired.
Columbia Sportswear Names Chief Product Officer, Columbia Brand
Columbia Sportswear Co. hired Woody Blackford as SVP and chief product officer for the Columbia Brand. Blackford returned to Columbia, where he previously worked for 14 years, culminating in the position of VP of global design and innovation.
Topo Designs Names New CEO
Topo Designs, the Colorado-based outdoor brand, promoted Matt Williams, formerly COO, to CEO. He succeeded Co-Founder Mark Hansen, who is retaining his seat on Topo Designs’ Board of Directors.
July 2023
Gap, Inc. Appoints Mattel Executive as President and CEO
Gap, Inc. appointed Richard Dickson, former COO at Mattel, as company president and CEO.
Gap, Inc. Appoints New Athleta CEO
Gap, Inc. hired Chris Blakeslee, former president at Alo Yoga, as president and CEO of Athleta.
Vista Outdoor Appoints CEO of Outdoor Products Segment
Vista Outdoor, Inc. hired Eric Nyman, formerly president and COO of Hasbro, as CEO of the company’s Outdoor Products segment.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Appoints New CFO in Role Transition
Academy Sports + Outdoors Inc. promoted Carl Ford to EVP and CFO. He succeeded Michael Mullican, who transitioned to president.
Life Fitness Hires New CEO
Life Fitness, the maker of commercial fitness equipment, tapped Jim Pisani as CEO, with Paul Stoneham transitioning from a senior advisor to the company’s Board of Directors. Most recently, Pisani led the Outdoor & Recreation Business Segment for Newell Brands.
Vista Outdoor Names President for Simms Fishing Products
Vista Outdoor, Inc. named Jordan Judd as president of Simms Fishing Products. He joined Simms from Salomon North America, where he was president and general manager since early 2020.
June 2023
VF Corp. Appoints New CEO
VF Corp.’s Board of Directors appointed Bracken Darrell as president and CEO. Darrell joined VF Corp. from Logitech International SA, where he has been president and CEO since 2013.
Under Armour Makes Senior Leadership Changes
Under Armour hired Marriott veteran Jim Dausch as EVP, chief consumer officer and promoted Danny Miles to EVP, chief technology officer.
Smith Optics Parent Reorganizes North America, Global Sport Leadership
Safilo Group, the parent company of the Smith Optics brands and licensee for a range of lifestyle and sports brands, including Under Armour, made organizational changes in its North American market and global Sport Channel.
Zamberlan Appoints New U.S. General Manager
Zamberlan hired industry veteran Bob Whip as U.S. general manager. Outgoing GM Phil Benson took a principal role within private equity in partnership with Novastone Capital Advisors and will remain in the outdoor industry.
Ross Stores Sets Long-Term CEO Succession Plan
Ross Stores, Inc.’s Board of Directors approved a new employment agreement with Barbara Rentler, vice chair and CEO, extending through March 31, 2027. The new agreement allows Rentler to continue as CEO through January 31, 2026. By that date, the Board expects to have selected her successor.
Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Sweaty Betty Brand President
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. appointed Melissa Mullen as global brand president of Sweaty Betty, the women’s activewear brand acquired in August 2021. Since 2019, she has been the VP/GM of the U.K. and Ireland for Jo Malone London, the British lifestyle brand.
Rossignol Group Appoints New GM of Global Softgoods Division
The Rossignol Group tapped Liz Wilson as general manager of the Group’s global Softgoods division. Wilson most recently acted as SVP of global product creation for Outdoor Research.
Stitch Fix Hires Former Macy’s Exec as CEO
Stitch Fix hired Matt Baer, former chief customer and digital officer at Macy’s, Inc., as CEO.
Superfeet Welcomes New CEO
Superfeet hired Nike veteran Trip Randall as CEO. His footwear experience comes from working more than 23 years across a diverse range of positions at Nike including VP and general manager of Nike Running in North America, global VP and general manager of Nike.com and VP of global sales and marketplace for Nike Kids.
Vans Names Global Chief Marketing Officer
Vans hired Drieke Leenknegt as global chief marketing officer. Leenknegt joined Vans from sister brand, Timberland, where she served as its global chief marketing officer.
Academy Sports Names New Chief Merchant
Academy Sports + Outdoors, Inc. promoted Matt McCabe to EVP and chief merchandising officer, succeeding Steve Lawrence, who transitioned to CEO.
May 2023
Hydrow Appoints New Company President
Hydrow, the connected rowing brand, announced the promotion of CFO John Stellato to president.
Nike Announces Senior Leadership Realignment
Nike said Heidi O’Neill, president of Consumer & Marketplace, will become president of Consumer, Product & Brand, Nike, Inc. Craig Williams, president of the Jordan Brand, will become president of Geographies & Marketplace, Nike, Inc. as part of several leadership changes. Matthew Friend, EVP and CFO, will expand his responsibilities to include Procurement, Global Places & Services and Demand and Supply Management.
Nike Names New Converse CEO
Nike, Inc. named Jared Carver as the new CEO of Converse. He succeeded Scott Uzzell, who transitioned to VP/GM of North America for Nike Brand.
Pacsun Sets Leadership and Board Changes
Pacsun announced a series of leadership changes whereby Brie Olson, Pacsun co-CEO and Board member, will be appointed CEO. Mike Relich will retire as co-CEO and will continue to serve on the Pacsun Board of Directors in a new role as vice chairman. Russell Bowers will be appointed chief operating officer and will continue to serve as Pacsun’s CFO,
KMD Brands Appoints CEO of Kathmandu
KMD Brands, Ltd., the parent of Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz, hired Megan Welch as CEO of Kathmandu.
Walmart, Inc. Appoints New EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer
Walmart, Inc. promoted Latriece Watkins to EVP, chief merchandising officer. She replaced Charles Redfield, who will step down on May 1 to assume an advisory role supporting Walmart’s U.S. business.
Wolverine Worldwide Names Company President, New Leaders for Merrell and Saucony
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. named Chris Hufnagel as company president, promoted Janice Tennant to Merrell’s global brand president and named Rob Griffiths as global brand president of Saucony.
Stance Names New President
Stance, the sock brand, named David Tichiaz as president. He had been at Vans for nearly 17 years, with his last role as VP and general manager of the Americas.
Foot Locker Names Nike Exec To Lead WSS Banner
Foot Locker, Inc. hired Blanca Gonzalez as SVP and general manager of its WSS banner. Gonzales joined Foot Locker from Nike, Inc., where she was the VP of North America product merchandising.
Hyperice Names Nike Veteran To Head Marketing
Hyperice hired Andy Miguel, who spent nearly two decades with Nike, as head of marketing, leading its go-to-market global strategy, partnerships, digital marketing, retail activations, brand experiences, public relations, media, brand, and content strategy.
April 2023
VF Corp. Realigns Leadership At Dickies, Altra, Smartwool, And Icebreaker
VF Corp. appointed Todd Dalhausser, previously brand president of Altra, as global brand president, Dickies; and Jen McLaren, previously brand president of Smartwool, as brand president of Altra. Jan Van Mossevelde, president of Icebreaker, assumed additional responsibility for Smartwool.
Vista Outdoor Promotes Vanderbrink To CEO, Sporting Products Segment
Vista Outdoor, Inc. promoted Jason Vanderbrink to Sporting Products’s CEO. Vanderbrink has been with the company since 2005 in executive leadership roles, including SVP of sales and president of Sporting Products.
Tilly’s, Inc. Appoints New Chief Merchant
Tilly’s, Inc. hired Laura Janney as EVP and chief merchandising officer, overseeing the retailer’s buying, sourcing and product development and coordinating consistency in its in-store and online consumer merchandising experience. She was in Hudson’s Bay.
Pure Fishing Appoints New CEO As Kent Moves To Board
Pure Fishing hired Dave Allen as CEO, replacing Harlan Kent, who moves into a new role as a member of the company’s board of directors and a special project advisor. Most recently, Allen was president and CEO of Igloo.
Amer Sports Hires Foot Locker Veteran As CFO
Amer Sports hired Andrew Page, former CFO for Foot Locker, as group CFO of Amer Sports and a member to its executive committee. Page reports to Board Executive Director and CEO James Zheng.
Dick’s SG Hires New Chief Marketing Officer
Dick’s Sporting Goods’ Chief Marketing Officer Ed Plummer retired and was replaced by PepsiCo’s Emily Silver.
Pelican Products Hires SVP Of Product & Marketing
Pelican Products, Inc. hired Monica Rigali as SVP of product and marketing. Most recently, Rigali was the VP of global brand management at JanSport/VF Corp.
Vuori Taps Big Brands For Four New C-Suite Hires
Vuori hired a chief operating officer, general counsel/corporate secretary, chief people officer and chief information officer, each with big brand experience with Yeti, Vans, Starbucks and Beachbody, respectively.
Academy Names New CEO and New President as Hicks Moves to Executive Chairman Role
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. announced that, as a result of a planned succession process, Ken Hicks, chairman, president and CEO, transitioned to executive chairman. Steve Lawrence, EVP and chief merchandising officer, became CEO. Michael Mullican, EVP and CFO, became president. The moves were effective June 1.
Black Diamond Names VP Of North American Sales
Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. hired Heath Christensen as VP of North American sales. Christensen was most recently at Cotopaxi.
Titleist, Footjoy Parent Names New CFO
Acushnet Holdings Corp., the parent of Titleist and Footjoy, named Sean Sullivan as EVP and CFO.
Dick’s SG Names Chief E-Commerce Officer
Dick’s Sporting Goods hired Denise Karkos, formerly at SiriusXM, as chief e-commerce officer.
March 2023
Puma Appoints New GM for Sportstyle Business Unit
Puma hired Lionel Telega as general manager of the brand’s Sportstyle business. Telega has been with the company since 2004 and, most recently, was the global director of go-to-market.
Nike Shifts Leadership in Women’s Business and APLA Region
Nike reported it is transitioning Amy Montagne, currently VP/GM, APLA, to lead its women’s business as VP/GM Women’s, replacing Whitney Malkiel, who left the brand. Cathy Sparks, currently VP of Nike Direct, EMEA, will transition to lead its APLA geography as VP/GM, APLA.
Under Armour Names Steph Curry President of Curry Brand in Extended Partnership
Under Armour, Inc. extended and expanded its partnership with Golden State Warriors point guard and four-time NBA Champion Stephen Curry in a deal that extends beyond his retirement. As part of the new terms, Curry becomes president of the Curry Brand.
F45 Training Names CEO; Wahlberg Takes Chief Brand Officer Role
Tom Dowd has been appointed F45’s new CEO. He succeeded outgoing interim CEO Ben Coates, who remained on the company’s board of directors. Mark Wahlberg, who has been a member of the company’s board since March 2019, was named F45’s chief brand officer,
Fanatics Betting and Gaming Names COO
Fanatics Betting and Gaming announced the appointment of Hank Couture to the new position of chief operating officer. He was at DoorDash.
Outdoor Industry Association Names New President
The OIA Board of Directors named industry veteran Kent Ebersole as president after serving seven months as the organization’s interim executive director.
REI Names Chief Merchant, Chief People Officer, Co-Op Brands VP
REI Co-op hired Apple Musni as chief people officer. The company also promoted Chris Speyer to SVP and chief merchandising officer and Isabelle Portilla to VP of Co-op Brands.
Bealls, Inc. Appoints New Company President
Bealls, Inc. promoted Tianne Doyle to president. Doyle joined Bealls in 1991 and has held leadership positions across the company, rising to EVP and chief merchandise officer in 2020.
Vista Outdoor Appoints President, Simms Fishing
Vista Outdoor, Inc. named Derek Tarlecki as president of its Bozeman, MT-brand Simms Fishing Products. Tarlecki has worked as its chief integration officer since September, following the retirement of Simms CEO Casey Sheahan.
February 2023
Newell Brands Appoints Peterson CEO, Saligram Retires
Newell Brands promoted current company President Chris Peterson to president and CEO.
Kohl’s Appoints Kingsbury CEO
Kohl’s appointed Tom Kingsbury as CEO. Kingsbury had served as interim CEO since December 2022 after Michelle Gass joined Levi Strauss as its president.
Black Diamond Equipment Appoints New Brand President
Black Diamond, Equipment, Ltd., a subsidiary of Clarus Corp., appointed Neil Fiske as brand president. He was most recently CEO of Marque Brands, which owns brands such Dakine and Body Glove. He has also led Billabong International, Eddie Bauer, and Gap over the years.
Arcus Hunting Hires New CEO
Arcus Hunting, LLC, the manufacturer of Tink’s, Dead Down Wind, Ramcat Broadheads, and Trophy Taker, hired Jody Agnew as CEO.
Thule Names New President and CEO
Thule Group named Mattias Ankarberg as the new president and CEO of the company.
Kohl’s Names New Chief Merchant
Kohl’s named 25-year retail veteran Nick Jones as chief merchandising and digital officer. Most recently, he was CEO of Joules Group.
Daniel Defense Names New CEO
Daniel Defense, the manufacturer of firearms and accessories, reported that Rod Reasen will assume the role of CEO. He will report directly to founder, owner and chairman, Marty Daniel.
SquadLocker Sets CEO Transition
SquadLocker named George Overholser as CEO. Overholser succeeded Gary Goldberg who will transition to a president and founder title.
January 2023
DSW Parent Appoints New CEO
Designer Brands, Inc., parent company of DSW and Topo Athletic, hired Doug Howe, president of DSW, to succeed Roger Rawlins as CEO. Howe joined Designer Brands In 2022 after four years as chief merchandising officer at Kohl’s.
Lululemon Hires Chief Merchandising Officer
Lululemon named Elizabeth Binder as chief merchandising officer, reporting to Sun Choe, chief product officer. Binder joined Lululemon from Boden, a UK-based global apparel company, where she held the role of chief product officer.
Cotopaxi CEO and Founder to Transition to Chairman
Cotopaxi reported that CEO and Founder, Davis Smith, will transition to chairman of the board and be replaced by Damien Huang, Cotopaxi’s president and former Eddie Bauer CEO, on July 1, 2023.
Fila Names New President for North American Subsidiary
Korea-based Fila Holdings named Todd Klein as president of its North American subsidiary Fila USA, Inc., following the retirement of Jennifer Estabrook.
Therabody Names CEO
Therabody hired Monty Sharma as president and CEO. Co-founder and CEO Benjamin Nazarian becomes Therabody’s executive chairman. Sharma was CEO of several health and wellness companies, including EAS, Naked Juice, Atkins (now Simply Good Foods), Curves, Jenny Craig, and, most recently, the Better Being Company.
Pacsun Announces Leadership Transition
Pacsun reported a leadership transition in which Brie Olson, Pacsun president and Board member, will be appointed co-CEO with Co-CEO Mike Relich. Alfred Chang will step down after 17 years with the company to join Fear of God, a Pacsun brand partner, as CEO.
Authentic Brands Group Hires CFO
Authentic Brands Group named Jessica Holscott as CFO. She succeeded Kevin Clarke, founding partner, who has taken a new role as executive vice chairman.
Merrell Hires New VP of U.S. Sales
Merrell hired Jessica Adler as VP of U.S. sales. Before Merrell, Adler worked for the past ten years in sales roles with lifestyle brands, including Levi Strauss & Co., Psycho Bunny and Diesel USA.
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