If the return of Kevin Plank as Under Armour CEO was the biggest executive move in the first half, one only has to look west and the company’s primary rival, Nike, to find some of the biggest Executive Shuffle stories for 2024.
The return of former Nike executive Elliot Hill, who replaced John Donahoe as Nike’s CEO in October, was perhaps the biggest story of the year – at least on Wall Street and for the corner offices at many U.S. retailers. Hill, a 32-year Nike veteran, had retired in 2020 after most recently serving as president of consumer and marketplace.
Tom Peddle, who retired in 2020 after a 30-year Nike career, also returned to the company in July as VP of marketplace partners before being promoted to VP and general manager of North America in October following Hill’s arrival.
Other Nike appointments since October made it appear that Hill may be putting the old band back together.
At Adidas, John Miller became president of North America after holding sales roles for the brand in the early- to mid-2000s. Miller is the fourth head of Adidas North America since 2018.
And in December, John Ashworth returned to his namesakes brand to fuel energy on the product front.
Another changeover earning wide media coverage was Peloton’s announcement on October 31 that Peter Stern, co-founder of Apple Fitness+, who most recently led subscription services for Ford Motor, would become its next CEO, effective January 1, 2025. Stern replaced Barry McCarthy, who succeeded Founder John Foley in February 2022 but struggled to return the connected bike manufacturer to profitability.
In the footwear space, Hoka and Vans made some noise with leadership moves. Hoka, which recently eclipsed $2 billion in revenue over the trailing 12-month period for first time, hired Robin Green, Nike’s global vice president of men’s running and fitness, as president.
At Vans, Sun Choe, formerly Lululemon’s chief product officer, took over as global brand president in late July. Shackling results for parent VF Corp., Vans recently marked its ninth straight quarter of double-digit declines. The North Face, also owned by VF Corp., hired its fourth president for The North Face since 2017 amid recent softness.
Also in the footwear space, Salomon, Crocs, HeyDude, Dr. Martens, and Sorel found new leadership.
Other companies that appointed new CEOs in 2024 included Kohl’s, Macy’s and Tilly’s in the retail space; Rip Curl, Elevate Outdoor Collective, Kent Outdoors, and Rapha in the outdoors space; Rapala VMC and Colt CZ Group in the hunt & fish channel; and Planet Fitness, Equinox Fitness and Xponential Fitness among fitness clubs.
Below are notable executive leadership changes for the second half of 2024 that SGB Media reported from July to January 2024.
July 2024
- Leki USA Appoints GM as Greg Wozer Resigns as President
Wozer will remain an integral part of the organization as a senior advisor, supporting strategic direction. Chris O’Donoghue, the new GM, was sales manager for Johnson Outdoors, Kulkea, Uvex, and Atomic and product manager for Nordica. - Nike Hires Former Salesforce Exec as CIO
The company re-hired Cheryan Jacob this month as CIO to “modernize” the active lifestyle company’s technology infrastructure. - Altra Hires Nike Vet as Global Head of Product
As a nearly 20-year veteran of Nike, Kylee Barton’s performance-driven business approach reportedly “helped create some of Nike’s most pinnacle and technical products.” - Lifetime Products Appoints New CEO Following Death of Richard Hendrickson
Selected for this new role by company Founder Barry Mower, BJ Haacke “brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Lifetime’s operations” to his new position. - Black Diamond Parent Taps Tripp Wycoff to Lead Rhino-Rack Americas Unit
Former Thule executive is now GM of the Americas region, David Cook is global head of OEM and Daniel Bruntsch is head of EMEA sales for the segment that manages the Rhino-Rack, Maxtrax, and Tred Outdoors brands. - Sportsman’s Warehouse Appoints SVP of Marketing, E-commerce & Loyalty
Susan Sanderson is responsible for the company’s digital and traditional marketing, e-commerce, brand strategy, omni-channel experience, and loyalty programs. - Topgolf Names Chief Operating Officer
Erin Chamberlin will join the company on July 22 from Penn Entertainment, Inc., where she has served as SVP of Regional Operations since 2019. Chamberlin will also join the company’s executive leadership team, reporting to CEO Artie Starrs. - Summit Golf Brands Promotes Jack Lessing to President
Lessing will oversee all revenue channels for the company’s brands, including B. Draddy, Zero, Restriction, Zero Restriction, Fairway & Greene, and EP New York, and the functional areas of the business that support them. Lessing has been with the company for the past 11 years. - Crecera Brands Appoints Chip Coe as CEO
The parent of the Sportsman’s Guide, The Golf Warehouse and Baseball Savings.com brands has appointed Coe as CEO, effective immediately. He succeeds Corey Bergstrom, who launched Crecera’s strategic transformation. - Tom Peddie Returns to Nike as VP of Marketplace Partners
Executive search firm MacGregor Black noted the reappointment on Tuesday morning on LinkedIn, saying that the “move comes as the iconic sports brand looks to enhance its relationships with existing retailers such as Foot Locker.”
August 2024
- Ross Stores, Inc. Makes Merchandising Leadership Changes
Karen Fleming was promoted to president and chief merchandising officer at Ross Dress for Less, and Karen Sykes was promoted to president and chief merchandising officer at DD’s Discounts, with both moves effective December 1. - Scott Sports Appoints Co-CEOs and Expands Executive Leadership Team
The company hired Juwon Kim and Pascal Ducrot to new roles as co-CEOs of Scott Sports and added them as members of its executive leadership team. - Ashworth Golf Appoints Andy Bell as CEO
Bell will focus on elevating the brand’s market share and bolstering product lines and innovation to meet the evolving needs of golfers. - Imperial Promotes David Shaffer to Brand President
Shaffer has been with Imperial for over 13 years, serving in roles including director of marketing, VP of sales and marketing, and, most recently, as senior vice president of sales. - Escalade’s Walt Glazer to Retire from President and CEO Roles
Glazer, a shareholder since 1991, a Board Director for the past nine years and chairman since 2018, will continue serving on the Board after his retirement, pending annual shareholder approval. - Stance Appoints David Tichiaz as Chief Executive Officer
Stance Co-Founder John Wilson will remain with the company as an advisor. Tichiaz joined Stance in 2023 as president after a 15-year career at Vans. - Winnebago Makes Transitioning Moves on Executive Leadership Team
Chris West, senior vice president of Winnebago Industries enterprise operations and Barletta Boats, has been named president of the Winnebago Outdoors businesses, replacing Huw Bower who is stepping down at the end of August. - Rapha appointed new CEO
Fran Millar replaces Francois Concervey. She has been with the company since 2015 as chief brand and marketing officer. Her background in the cycling industry includes roles with Team Sky and Team Ineos, where she played a “critical role in securing seven Tour de France victories.” - Equinox Fitness Appoints President
Marc Mastronardi will assume the role as president on August 12, reporting to Harvey Spevak, executive chairman and managing partner of Equinox Group. He has 25 years of extensive retail experience, having held a broad range of leadership positions at Macy’s, Inc. where, most recently, he was the executive vice president and chief stores officer.
September 2024
- Riddell Sets Leadership Transition
The company has announced that Dan Arment plans to retire at the end of the year as president and CEO of the football equipment brand and parent company, BRG Sports. CFO and COO, Allison Boersma will succeed him. - Authentic Appoints EVP, Head of Greater China
Authentic Brands Group has hired Josh Perlman as EVP, head of Greater China. He brings over 25 years of experience, previously managing director at Tristate, where he was “instrumental in signing and building brands including Jack Wolfskin, Fila, Nautica, Spyder, and Reebok.” - Puma Appoints Markus Neubrand as CFO
Neubrand replaces CFO Hubert Hinterseher. He mutually agreed to step down, effective September 30, 2024, leaving on December 31, 2024, after successfully transitioning his duties to Neubrand. - Nike Putting the Band Back Together as Elliott Hill Named CEO
Nike’s Board of Directors with CEO John Donahoe announced he will retire as president and CEO from its Board of Directors effective October 13. - Coolcore Appoints CEO and Majority Owner
Eric Schenker has joined the company as chief executive officer and majority owner. Previously, he was the CEO of Craft Sportswear NA. - New Hibbett Parent JD Sports Names First U.S. Non-Executive Director
Prama Bhatt, a non-executive director on the company’s Board of Directors, joins the Nominations and Remuneration Committees and the Board of JD’s U.S. subsidiary, Genesis Holdings, Inc., effective September 23, 2024. - Tilly’s Co-Founder Appointed President and CEO, Removes Interim Tag
As the Co-Founder of this 42-year-old company, Hezy Shaked has served as interim president and CEO since January 21, 2024 and previously as the company’s president and CEO. - Ross Stores, Inc. Makes Merchandising Leadership Changes
The retailer promoted Karen Fleming to president and CMO at Ross Dress for Less and Karen Sykes to president and CMO at DD’s Discounts, effective December 1. - Nate Smith Named CEO of Huk and Nomad Outdoor Parent
Smith brings 20 years of executive leadership experience working for consumer-branded omnichannel organizations in apparel, footwear and accessories. He has held senior executive roles at Patagonia and Oakley and as president at Boardriders. - Kästle USA Appoints Steven Poulin as President and CEO
The Austrian ski brand, founded in 1924, said the timing of Poulin’s hire would accelerate growth as it introduces new categories. - SFIA Appoints New President and CEO as Tom Cove Retires
Todd Smith becomes president and CEO effective October 1. He succeeds Cove, who announced his retirement as president and CEO in early 2024 after leading the organization since 2005.
October 2024
- Peloton Names Former Apple, Ford Exec as New CEO
Peloton named Peter Stern as its new CEO and president, effective January 1, 2025. Stern currently serves as president of Ford Integrated Services and before that held leadership roles at Apple and Time Warner Cable. - Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Susie Kuhn as Active Group President
Susie Kuhn will be responsible for leading successful brand strategies, executing consumer-focused go-to-market plans, and driving commercial performance for Wolverine Worldwide’s Active Group, which includes the Merrell, Saucony, and Chaco brands. - Boot Barn’s CEO Exits to Ross Stores
- Jim Conroy, Boot Barn’s CEO since 2012, is stepping down to assume the role of CEO of Ross Stores. John Hazen, the company’s current chief digital officer, will assume the role of interim CEO.
- Buds Gun Shop Names New President & COO
Mark Stecher was named president and chief operating officer. He will assist CEO Joe Murphy across all areas of the company. - Zamberlan Hires North American Sales Manager
The Italian outdoor footwear brand hired Bill Johnson, formerly at Zappos.com, as North American sales manager. He spent the last 19 years as the Outdoor Footwear Buyer at Zappos.com - Adidas AG Appoints Mathieu Sidokpohou Head of Global Sales as Hoeld Departs
Sidokpohou joined the company in 2020 as general manager of Adidas France. In July 2021, he became Cluster South Europe’s general manager before taking over as managing director for Europe in 2023. He succeeds Arthur Hoeld, who will step down at the end of October. - Rip Curl CEO Resigns Two Weeks After Parent Company CEO Resigned
Brooke Farris has given notice of her resignation as Rip Curl brand CEO. The move comes just two weeks after Daly gave his notice to the Board of his resignation after serving as Group CEO since May 2021. - Nike Moves Tom Peddie Back Into VP/GM of North America Role
Nike, Inc. announced that Tom Peddie will become vice president, general manager of the North America Geography, effective October 21, succeeding Scott Uzzell, who has decided to leave Nike. - Fear Of God CEO to Lead Everlane
Alfred Chang, the CEO of luxury streetwear brand Fear of God, was appointed CEO of Everlane. The company was founded in 2010 by Michael Preysman and Jesse Farmer with the mission of selling clothing with transparent pricing. - Elevate Outdoor Collective Promotes Josee Larocque to CEO
The parent company of the K2, Marker, Dalbello, Völkl, Ride, Line, Backcountry Access, Atlas Snow Shoe, Tubbs Snowshoes, and Madshus brands said COO Larocque replaces CEO John Colonna, who is leaving the company to pursue other interests. - Rip Curl and Oboz Parent Taps Former Nike Exec as New CEO
KMD Brands Limited, the parent company to the Rip Curl, Oboz, and Kathmandu brands, has named former Nike executive and current KMD Board member Brent Scrimshaw as its new group CEO. Michael Daly has given notice to the Board of his resignation. - Rawlings Sporting Goods Sets CEO Transition Plan
Mike Zlaket, Rawlings’ current CEO, will transition to vice chairman of the company’s Board at the close of the year. Current company president Ron Ostrowski’s will add CEO to his duties, effective January 1, 2025.
November 2024
- Kohl’s Snags Ashley Buchanan from Michael’s as New CEO
CEO Tom Kingsbury plans to step down as CEO, effective January 15, 2025. He will remain in an advisory role to Kingsbury and retain his position on Kohl’s Board of Directors through his retirement in May 2025. - Wolverine Worldwide Work Group Appoints Mike Maloney Chief Product Officer
Maloney will spearhead product development, merchandise strategy and market expansion initiatives for all brands within the Work Group (Wolverine, CAT Footwear, Bates, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Merrell Work, and Hytest). - Circana Taps into Kroger Executive Ranks to Find Next President and CEO
Stuart Aitken will join Circana on January 1, 2025 from Kroger, where he has served as chief merchant and marketing officer since 2019. He succeeds Kirk Perry, who has decided to retire from the role. He will remain a Board director. - Amer Sports Makes Key Leadership Changes; Expands Global Leadership Team
Guillaume Meyzenq has been appointed new president and CEO for Salomon and Michael Hauge Sørensen returns to a former role as advisor to the company’s Board of Directors. - Nike, Inc. Appoints Executive VP and Chief Human Resources Officer
Treasure Heinle, the company’s chief talent officer, will assume the role of executive vice president and chief human resources officer, effective January 6, 2025. She succeeds Monique Matheson, who has decided to retire after 26 years with the company. - Swiftwick Hires Nike Vet as Sales Manager, Run Specialty
James Osborne, who has worked as a sales and community consultant for the company since earlier this summer, was hired full-time as sales manager for run specialty. He will remain a Co-owner of The Exchange Running Collective. - Hestra Gloves Appoints New President for North America Region
The company has appointed Cotopaxi and Backcountry.com veteran James Hampton as president, North America, based out of the company’s regional headquarters in Denver, CO. - REI Co-op Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
The specialty retailer said Abigail Jacobs brings an “impressive background leading marketing for major consumer retailers including Sephora, Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, and the Pottery Barn brands.” - Fleet Feet Appoints New VP of Marketing and Digital
Jonathan Sipling brings over 20 years of experience to the position. Previously, he was Dish Wireless’s chief merchandising officer. - StockX CEO to Step Down, COO Named as Successor
The company announced that CEO Scott Cutler has chosen to step down at the end of the year, succeeded by the online sneaker marketplace’s Co-Founder, President and COO, Greg Schwartz. - Kizik Appoints Nike Veteran as Design Chief
Andreas Harlow, a 22-year Nike veteran, joins the hands-free footwear brand after serving as VP/global footwear creative director for Jordan Brand for the last three years.
December 2024
- Shoes For Crews Taps Board Director to Serve as CEO
Chris Quinn will assume the CEO role beginning January 1, 2025. He has served as a director of Shoes For Crews since August 2024. - EXEC: Rapala VMC Names Cyrille Viellard Next President and CEO
Current President and CEO Lars Ollberg will retire on March 6, 2025. He has worked for the company for over 45 years. Incoming President and CEO Cyrille Viellard, who has worked at Rapala VMC since 2014, will assume the CEO role on March 7, 2025. - EXEC: Radek Musil Ascends to CEO Role at Colt CZ Group
The Group will separate the company’s CEO and Chairman of the Board of Director roles effective January 1. Jan Drahota will continue as chairman of Colt CZ, and Radek Musil, the CEO of Sellier & Bellot, will become the new CEO of Colt CZ. - John Ashworth Returns to Lead Ashworth Golf Company
In 1987, Ashworth founded his brand to bring a “more modern, casual look to the course.” A third-generation avid golfer, Ashworth returns to the company as creative director. - Inov8 Founder is Back as CEO; Price Returns as Director
Wayne Edy, founder of Inov8, will again lead the company as CEO. Michael Price returns to the company as product and marketing director, having worked at Inov8 from 2016 to 2022. - St Croix Rod Promotes Teach and Johnson to Executive Leadership Team
The company promoted Ryan Teach, formerly product and brand manager, to the newly created role of VP of Innovation. Former National Sales Manager Dan Johnston has been appointed director of sales. - Merrell Appoints Chief Product Officer
Most recently, Noreen Naroo-Pucci was the CPO at Mizzen+Main, a young menswear brand. - Gymshark CFO Departs Amid Profit Decline
Gymshark did not provide a reason for CFO Mat Dunn’s departure, who filled the role in December 2022. The announcement follows the company reporting a £13m pre-tax profit for the year ending July 31, 2023, a decrease from £27.8m in the previous 12 months. - J.Crew Group Hires CMO for J. Crew Brand
For nearly a year, J.Crew and its sister brand Madewell, also owned by the J.Crew Group, have operated without a CMO. Derek Yarbrough, former executive vice president and CMO of both brands, left in January 2024. The Group did not disclose if it would hire a CMO for the Madewell business. - Castore Hires Commercial Operations Leader
Danny Downs brings 15 years of experience at Fanatics International, where he was head of commercial development and the company’s first GM, including international operations for its e-commerce business. - Trackman Adds Strava Co-Founder to Board of Directors
Over the past year, Michael Horvath has worked with Trackman’s sports performance tracking team to develop new services for athletes and coaches worldwide, focusing on mobile applications. - X Games Names Jeremy Bloom as CEO
Bloom’s track record as an athlete and in building and managing companies will be instrumental in continuing to elevate the X Games properties and the X Games League. - Shot Scope Names Lord Mervyn Davies Chairman of the Board
Lord Davies of Abersoch, Wales, was formerly chief executive and chairman of Standard Chartered and was awarded a CBE in 2002 for his services to the financial sector. He is currently the chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association, LetterOne and sits on the World Rugby Executive Committee. - United Wheels Appoints New VP of Brand and DTC Marketing
Chris King takes the helm as the company’s VP of brand and DTC marketing. With over 25 years of experience, King will drive brand awareness and consumer engagement across UW’s portfolio. - Banshee Brands Appoints Chief Operating Officer
With over two decades of executive leadership and operational expertise, Dave Barrera will lead strategic initiatives to strengthen the company’s foundation and support the continued growth of Retay USA and Breda AG. - True Linkswear Names Vice President of Sales
The Pacific Northwest-based golf footwear company has hired Adam Minnich to implement a sales team representing the brand across the U.S. and into more retail shops nationwide. - Celerant Technologies Appoints Michele Salerno Chief Growth Officer
The company promoted Michele Salerno to the newly created position of chief growth officer. Salerno is now responsible for strategic partnership development, market expansion and revenue acceleration to drive sustainable business growth. - Joybees Appoints Ken Dayley as CEO
From 2014 to 2018, Dayley provided global digital consulting expertise to New Balance to support growth in the U.S. and international expansion in Europe. From 2012 to 2014, Dayley worked as the digital development business manager for Finish Line, Inc. - EXEC: Bata Brands Appoints Italy-Based Chief Design Officer
Miguel Esquide’s career highlights include co-founding the luxury brand 1Concept as well as leading footwear design and strategy at Inditex for Lefties, Zara and Pull&Bear - PGA of America Appoints New CEO
Derek Sprague is the first person to serve the PGA as a past president and CEO. He served as the 39th president from 2014-2016. Sprague succeeds Seth Waugh, who served as CEO from August 2018 to June 2024.
***
See below to read SGB 2024 Year in Review: Executive Shuffle—Part One
