Who was on the move in the industry this week with new hires, promotions and sponsorships…

Adidas appointed Dan Near as its new head of Adidas Hockey for Adidas Group NA, reporting to Michael Rossi, GM, Adidas Group Canada.  The brand also signed Superbowl MVP Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller as the face of its Freak football cleat franchise.

BlackRapid, a Seattle-based camera accessory company that has expanded into specialty outdoor, ski and bike, hired Marc Gottula as Director of Sales.

Cascade Designs appointed Lizanne Venneri to Director of Dealer & Customer Services, responsible for training and managing Cascade Designs’ 21 dealer, customer service representatives and warranty staff.

Clarks Americas Inc. appointed Gary Champion as its President. Champion rejoins Clarks from Earth Footwear, where he served as President the past six years.

Converse said Geoff Cottrill, its Chief Marketing Officer, would leave the company after eight years with the brand.

Crosman Corporation, designers and manufacturers of airguns and ammunition, appointed Robert Beckwith as CFO.

Daniel Defense, engineer and manufacturer of firearms and accessories, promoted Patrick Kisgen to VP of Sales, with a focus on military, law enforcement and international customers.

Delta Waterfowl Foundation added Dave Bishop as a new Regional Events Director for Ontario, Canada.

Lawrence Writer, former COO and CFO for Hillerich & Bradsby Co., the parent of Louisville Slugger, was hired as CFO of KidKraft, creators of toys and juvenile products.

Maile Buker, former VP of Marketing for Eastern Mountain Sports, joined the Board of Directors of Chimani Inc., a developer of mobile app guides to the outdoors and National Parks.

Rinehart Targets, makers of realistic archery targets and hunting decoys, welcomed Mark Olson as the company’s Shipping Supervisor.

Surftech signed outdoor paddle sports adventurer Ken Hoeve, pictured above, to its global team.

United Sports Brands welcomed industry executive Doug Hayes as its new GM of United Sports Brands’ Sales and Operations in Canada.

Vans footwear and apparel teamed with Japanese artist Yusuke Hanai to introduce a Vans x Yusuke Hanai capsule for Spring 2016.

Photo above and courtesy of Ken Hoeve, Outdoor Paddle Sports Adventurer