Third quarter 2025 saw another wave of new CEO appointments, including Converse, Lacoste, PGA Superstore, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Takeya USA, 9Round Kickboxing, and Henri-Lloyd, among others, but perhaps the biggest people news for the quarter was the appointment of a new North America senior team at Foot Locker, Inc. after Dick’s SG closed on its acquisition of the company early September.
The proliferation of new chief officer titles continued unabated in the period, with a new slate of TLAs for newly created positions, including Chief Brand Officer (CBO), Chief Digital Officer (CDO), Chief Growth Officer (CGO), Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Chief Legal Officer (CLO), Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO), and Chief Wholesale Officer (CWO), joining the more traditional CEO, CFO, COO, CTO, CIO, and CMO titles.
One analyst told SGB Media that companies may be hiring “too many chiefs and not enough braves,” suggesting top-heavy organizational structures. Have the former EVP or SVP roles simply been renamed, or is there another level of responsibility in these organizations that requires these new titles?
Below are notable executive leadership changes reported by SGB Media for the third quarter of 2025. See bottom for all 2025 quarters.
July 2025
- Arena Appoints Chief Brand Officer
After a career at McKinsey and Nike, Mark Pinger joined Arena in 2016 as general manager for the U.S. market. He has been promoted to chief brand officer, effective October 1. - Berghaus Appoints VP of Brand Marketing
Adam Field will lead the global marketing team, reporting to Charlie Pym, the company’s senior global vice president. He starts in his new role at Berghaus in July. - Canyon Appoints U.S. General Manager
Ben Coates was most recently the president and COO of Revel Bikes. As U.S. General Manager, Coates is expected to accelerate the rollout of the MyCanyon bike customization program. - Christensen Arms Appoints President
Matt Fleming most recently served as president and CEO of MidwayUSA. Under his leadership, Christensen Arms is expected to strengthen its brand, elevate its dealer programs and continue to drive innovation in firearm manufacturing. - Gap Inc. Taps Head of Nike’s Women’s Business to Lead Athleta
Maggie Gauger has been named global brand president and CEO of Athleta, effective August 1. She was at Nike for 23 years with other roles including heading up North American running and the global tennis. - Oboz and Rip Curl Parent KMD Hires Finance VP for North America
Heather Sweeny, a former Adidas executive, was appointed as VP of Finance across all KMD Brands in North America, including Oboz, Rip Curl and Kathmandu. - Kimber Appoints Chief Operations Officer
Scott Moore was promoted to COO. He recently returned to the Alabama-based firearms manufacturer after a brief stint at E-One, a firetruck apparatus manufacturer. Before his return, Moore served seven years as the VP of operations for Kimber - Kohl’s Appoints JD Sports Exec as Chief Digital Officer
Arianne Parisi, most recently chief digital officer for JD Sports Fashion Plc, has been named the retailer’s chief digital officer. Starting on July 28, Parisi will join the company’s executive leadership team and report directly to Interim CEO Michael Bender. - Lacoste Appoints New CEO
Éric Vallat, a former LVMH executive, was appointed as the company’s new CEO, starting September 1. He succeeds Thierry Guibert, who has held the position since 2015. - Nike, Inc. Appoints New Converse CEO
Aaron Cain, a 21-year company veteran, was named the new CEO of Converse. He replaces Jared Carver, who is stepping down after serving as CEO for two years. - Nordstrom Inc. Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Kelly Dilts joins Nordstrom from Dollar General where she has served as executive vice president and chief financial officer since 2023. Her appointment is effective August 29. - Pendleton Woolen Mills Appoints New CEO
Jennifer Ingraffea has most recently served as chief product and merchandising officer at The North Face since October 2020. Previously, she had an 18-year career at Nike. She succeeds John Bishop, a fifth-generation family member, who will remain as CEO through July to work with Ingraffea. - PGA Tour Superstore Appoints New CEO
Troy Rice is succeeding the retiring long-term CEO Dick Sullivan. Rice joins the company after serving three years as CEO of Total Wine & More and will report directly to Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses. - Puma Appoints Andreas Hubert as Chief Operating Officer
With this new Board position, Puma shifts Sourcing, IT and Logistics under Hubert, streamlining responsibilities across its leadership team and organization, effective September 1. Hubert will be part of Puma’s Management Board, which will comprise five members. - Rack Room Appoints Chief Merchant and Chief Digital Officer
The company promoted Brian Burnett to senior vice president, chief merchandise officer and Molly Hartney to chief digital officer, a newly created role. Burnett has been with Rack Room Shoes for nearly nine years, having previously served as general merchandise manager. Hartney joined the company as chief marketing officer in 2021. - Revelyst Appoints Innovation Chief at Precision Sports Technology
A longtime R&D executive with experience at Boeing, Callaway Golf, and Cobra Golf, Mike Yagley reportedly brings critical technical expertise to Revelyst’s golf brands as the company seeks to differentiate itself from the field through product innovation. - Snyder Golf USA Taps Denny Mazur as Chief Revenue Officer
Mazur is said to bring over a decade of sales, marketing and operational leadership from top-tier golf brands, including Srixon, Cleveland Golf and OnCore Golf. - Trika Hires First VP of Sales to Lead Effort in Move to Wholesale Sales
David Bakken was most recently the VP of Aales at Ravin Crossbows, where he first joined as a sales manager in 2016. Previously, he was the National Accounts Manager at Feradyne Outdoors and held a similar role at Field Logic from 2013 to 2015. - Turner’s Outdoorsman Appoints President
Rob Zubak brings 35 years of experience to the role. Most recently, he was the company’s chief operating officer. The hunting, Shooting and fishing retailer operates 38 stores across California and Arizona. - USTA Hires Chief Growth Officer
Mike McGoohan, former president and chief growth officer of Solo Stove, was appointed to the newly created role of chief growth officer for the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Reporting into McGoohan are Play & Competition, USTA Coaching, Marketing, Digital Strategy, Strategy & Innovation, and Industry & Sales departments. - EXEC: Vuori Taps Ashley Kechter as Global President; Names Chief Legal Officer
Vuori hired Ashley Kechter, formerly global brand president at Fabletics, as the company’s first global president. The brand also appointed Edward Lee as chief legal officer and corporate secretary amid market speculation that the Southern California-based activewear brand may explore an initial public offering. - World Surf League Appoints New Chief Revenue Officer
Nicole Metzger most recently served as the chief sales and partnerships officer for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Before that she served as the chief revenue officer at JMI Sports/Clemson University, where she expanded multimedia rights and launched the Clemson Campus Digital Network.
August 2025
- Academy Sports and Outdoors Hires Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary
Brandy Treadway, who most recently worked for RumbleOn, will oversee all enterprise legal, compliance and risk management functions supporting the company’s corporate, distribution centers and retail initiatives. - Famous Footwear Parent Caleres Appoints New HR Chief
Kathleen Welter will oversee all HR functions for the company’s brand portfolio and its more than 9,000 employees worldwide, including recruitment, talent management, training, culture, compensation, benefits, and labor law compliance. - Crocs, Inc. Appoints Former Nike Exec as CFO
Crocs Inc. has appointed Patraic Reagan, who formerly worked at Nike, as EVP and CFO, effective September 22. He succeeds Susan Healy, who has resigned. Crocs also reaffirmed its Q3 guidance. - Factor Bikes Appoints Marketing Director for North America
The Boulder, CO-based bike manuracturer, appointed Chris Riekert, formerly of Mike’s Bikes, as U.S. marketing director in June, with over 15 years of experience in retail, product marketing and brand storytelling. - Fanatics Hires Chief Revenue Officer to Drive Advertising Revenues
Jeremi Gorman brings more than 25 years of experience to the role, having previously served as president of advertising at Netflix and chief business officer at Snap Inc., following a seven-year run leading global ad teams at Amazon. - International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Appoints First CEO
Urs Lehmann, former ski racer and head of Swiss Ski, will officially assume the role as the organizations first CEO during the FIS Technical Committee Autumn Meetings, scheduled for September 23–27. - Iron Valley Supply Hires New VP of Finance
Matthew Young will serve as a strategic partner to the executive team, leading financial operations, strengthening internal controls and enhancing reporting and planning processes. - Kohl’s Appoints Chief Technology Officer
Kohl’s named Steven Dee, with experience at Nike, Hayneedle and J.Crew, as its new chief technology officer, effective August 25. Most recently, he was the chief Information and technology officer for Rodan + Fields, the U.S. skin and haircare brand. - Levi Strauss Appoints Chief Supply Chain Officer
Chris Callieri, formerly of Victoria’s Secret, Tory Burch and Adidas, joins the company as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer, effective September 15, reporting to Michelle Gass, president and chief executive officer. - Outdoor Voices Owner Appoints Chief Growth Officer and Operating Partner
Mike Jacobs will spearhead growth initiatives across Consortium’s portfolio, including Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James, Jonathan Adler and Outdoor Voices, as well as future strategic acquisitions. - Pact Apparel Appoints Michelle Poole as Brand President
The Boulder, CO-based sustainable apparel brand, has appointed Michelle Poole, the former president of Crocs, as brand president. Pact is led by CEO Brendan Synnott who acquired the brand in 2011. - Puma Appoints Archie McEachern as VP of Basketball
McEachern, who takes the helm on August 18, replaces Max Staiger, who left the company earlier this year. He will be based in Boston and report to Puma’s Chief Product Officer Maria Valdes. - Revelyst Hires Former VF Corp. Transformation and Finance Exec as CFO
The parent company of the Bell, Bushnell, CamelBak, Fox, Giro, and Simms Fishing brands, and others appointed Naren Varatharajah as chief financial officer as part of a planned CFO transition. He succeeds Andy Keegan. - Sportsman’s Warehouse Appoints CFO and Secretary
Jennifer Fall Jung succeeds Jeff which as its chief financial officer and secretary, effective August 18. White will continue as chief financial officer and secretary until August 18, 2025. After this date, he will transition to a consulting role to assist with the leadership change until September 9, 2025. - Super Retail Group Appoints New Managing Director, Macpac
Reuben Casey, the former CEO of Kathmandu, will be appointed Macpac managing director in November 2025, following Cathy Seaholme’s decision to retire from the role after four years with the company. - Takeya USA Hires Former Oakley Exec as CEO
The maker of water bottles and other food and beverage accessories hired John Sanchez as president and chief executive officer, effective July 9. He succeeds John Lown, founder and CEO, who will continue to serve as executive chairman of the Board and as a company advisor. - Xponential Fitness Appoints New CEO; Swings to Q2 Profit
A slight downward trend in revenue in Q2 was reportedly driven by lower equipment revenue resulting from a decline in installations, as well as a decrease in merchandise sales, partially offset by higher franchise and franchise marketing fund revenue.
September 2025
- 9Round Kickboxing Fitness Appoints CEO
9Round Kickboxing Fitness announced that co-founder Heather Hudson has been named its new chief executive officer. Hudson previously served as the fitness franchise’s chief operating officer. - Arc’teryx Appoints Murray Parsons as VP of Global Footwear Marketplace
Before joining Arc’teryx in June, Murray Parsons spent just over four years at Crocs, most recently as senior director of Global Merchandising. Earlier in his career, Parsons spent 20 years at Nike and three years at Reebok. - Brunt Workwear Appoints Former Columbia, Nike Exec as Chief Merchandising Officer
Scott Roberts, formerly of Columbia Sportswear and Nike, has been appointed chief merchandising officer. Most recently, Roberts served as the VP and head of Merchandising at the Columbia brand. Before that, he spent 15 years at Nike. - Caleres Appoints Chief Accounting Officer
Daniel L. Karpel is returning to Caleres, where he worked from 2008 to 2016, and served as the company’s chief accounting officer from 2013 to 2016. - Converse Appoints VP, Global Footwear & Design
Chavon Webster was appointed as VP of Global Footwear and Design at Converse. She was formerly the senior director of Women’s Sport and Training Footwear at Nike. - CZ-USA Appoints Director of Marketing
The manufacturer of CZ-branded firearms appointed Chris Sprangers as director, marketing. Most recently, he served as managing partner and director of Outdoor Brands at North House Outdoor, a division of Shine United, LLC - Dearfoams Appoints VP, Head of Sales
Dearfoams promoted LaShae Boone-McCray to VP, head of sales. She will oversee the slipper brand’s sales strategy and execution across all channels, reporting to company President Justine Suh. - Dick’s SG Completes Foot Locker Takeover; Names New North America Senior Team
Ann Freeman, a former Nike executive, has been appointed president of Foot Locker North America. Freeman will be supported by a Foot Locker management team of experienced senior leaders. Freeman and an International president will report to DKS Executive Chairman Ed Stock. - Questions Arise Over Foot Locker North America’s New Leadership
Dick’s Sporting Goods on Monday, September 9, closed on its Foot Locker acquisition while announcing that Ed Stack, Dick’s executive chairman, will oversee Foot Locker’s total business, along with a team of former Dick’s and Foot Locker senior managers and several external hires, leaves several unanswered questions. - Galvin Green Appoints Martin Nilsson as New CEO
Nilsson, the son of owner Tomas Nilsson, has held several key roles within the brand. He is based at the company’s global headquarters in Växjö, southern Sweden, and brings both a deep-rooted connection to the company and extensive experience in the golf apparel sector. - Sailing Brand Henri-Lloyd Taps Henley Hansen Veteran as New CEO
The UK-based clothing brand, which specializes in sailing apparel and fashion for men and women, has named Chris Hammond as its new CEO, effective October 1. Hammond most recently held the position of chief digital officer at Helly Hansen and Musto. - Odlo Hires Chief Wholesale Officer, Europe
Marcus Mielke joins the Swiss sportswear brand from Jack Wolfskin, where he led the sales organization across all channels in Central Europe for the past five years. Previously, he spent 15 years at Nike, serving in several sales’ director roles across key accounts. - Momentec Brands Hires Chief Revenue Officer
Brent Meyer has joined Momentec Brands as chief revenue officer leading all revenue-generating functions, including national sales, B2B partnerships and strategic commercialization initiatives. - Revelyst Golf Technology Appoints VP, Sales and Marketing Development
Jared Hoffman brings nearly two decades of commercial leadership in the golf industry, most recently as head of sales at Sun Day Red, where he helped develop a distribution strategy and scale the startup’s market entry. - Salomon Appoints General Manager, EMEA
Salomon promoted Bertrand Gachon to lead EMEA operations. He joined Salomon from Nike in November 2024 to lead the brand’s Sportstyle category in EMEA. - Scott Sports SA Taps Global Chief Growth Officer
Scott Sports SA appointed Matt Heitmann as the company’s first chief growth officer (CGO), a role that will oversee Marketing and Digital functions from its headquarters in Givisiez, Switzerland. He has held leadership roles at Backcountry (USA), BMC (Switzerland) and Canyon (Germany). - Shoe Carnival Appoints Kerry Jackson as Company CFO (Again)
Shoe Carnival Inc. said Kerry Jackson will assume his former role as chief financial officer, effective September 28. Jackson, who also adds an EVP title, rejoined Shoe Carnival in June 2025 as senior vice president, new business development after retiring in May 2023. - Smith Optics Appoints Travis Owens to SE Regional Sales Director
Owens spent over 25 years at Costa Sunglasses in executive-level sales roles, and, in recent years, served as senior vice president of sales at Pure Fishing and Avid Sportswear. - Spanx Taps Former Nike Sales and Merchandising Director as Global VP of Sales
Megan Keough spent nearly 26 years at Nike, most recently as senior director, partner, go-to-market, for the company’s Asia Pacific & Latin America region. - Europe’s Sportscape Appoints New CEO
Sportscape, one of Europe’s biggest e-commerce platforms for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, appointed Andy Anson, the outgoing CEO of the British Olympic Association (BOA) and former CEO of Kitbag, as CEO. - Staccato 2011 Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
The make of the 2011 pistol, Staccato Ammo and Staccato Ranch hired Willem Driessen, formerly the VP of Global Marketing at 5.11 for eight years. - Vuori Appoints Nike Vet Andy Campion to Board of Directors
Campion served in executive leadership roles at Nike, Inc., including as COO, CFO and head of Global Strategy. He is currently the Chairman and CEO of Unrivaled Sports, a youth sports portfolio of brands and businesses.
Image courtesy Gap
