SGB Update Footwear
National Golf Foundation Promotes Nathan To President/COO
The National Golf Foundation promoted Greg Nathan to president and chief operating officer. Joe Beditz, president and CEO since 1989, will remain CEO, working closely with Nathan.
Alibaba Resets Leadership Structure
Alibaba is replacing Daniel Zhang as chairman and CEO. Joseph Tsai, executive vice chairman and a co-founder, will become chairman while Eddie Wu, chairman of e-commerce at Alibaba’s Taobao and Tmall businesses and co-founder, will take over as CEO.
Christy Sports Opens Re-Branded Big Sky Location
Christy Sports opened its newly rebranded store in Big Sky, MT, previously Grizzly Outfitters. The store is now Christy Sports Big Sky Town Center and marks Big Sky, Montana’s second Christy Sports location.
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 chief executive officer, 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.
Amer Sports’ Debt Ratings Upgraded By S&P
S&P Global Ratings upgraded the debt ratings of Amer Sports Holding Oy due to the company’s robust operating performance, thanks to a strong performance in China, the continuous acceleration of the Arc’teryx brand, and positive momentum in its footwear division driven by the Salomon brand. Amer’s sales grew 30.3 percent in 2022.
Fanatics Partners With LaLiga On Omnichannel Retail And Manufacturing Partnership
European football league LaLiga launched its first online retail shop with Fanatics as part of a wide-ranging omnichannel retail and manufacturing partnership.
Reebok Enters Into Smart Eyewear Licencing Agreement
Innovative Eyewear, Inc. announced that through an agreement with Authentic Brands Group, it had licensed the Reebok brand for smart eyewear.
VF Corp. Appoints New CEO to Lead Parent of The North Face, Vans And Timberland
VF Corporation’s Board of Directors appointed Bracken Darrell as president and CEO, effective July 17. Darrell joins VF Corp. from Logitech International SA, where he has been president and CEO since 2013.
Deep Tech Insoles Maker Closes Investment Round
Arion reportedly closed on a multi–million dollar investment round for parent company Atogear to be used to develop further its proprietary technology platform decoding human movement worldwide.
Puma Sets Up Leadership Changes In Greater China Region
Puma appointed Shirley Li as its new GM in China. Philippe Bocquillon will move into the role of Puma’s area manager for Greater China. Paul Yu will remain GM of Taiwan, and David Lu is replacing Li as commercial director in China.
Zappos Sees Chief Marketing Officer Exit
Zappos’ chief marketing officer Ginny McCormick has exited the company, according to a report from Adweek, which indicated the circumstances surrounding McCormick’s departure were unclear.
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Rises To Four-Month High
Consumer sentiment jumped 7.9 percent month-to-month to 63.9, in the first two weeks of June, reaching its highest level in four months, according to preliminary data from the University of Michigan survey of consumers.
Zamberlan Appoints New U.S. General Manager
Zamberlan hired industry veteran Bob Whip as U.S. general manager. Outgoing GM Phil Benson has taken a principal role within private equity in partnership with Novastone Capital Advisors and will remain in the outdoor industry.
Globe Intl. Appoints Surf/Beach Lifestyle Vet As New Board Chair
Globe International Ltd. appointed Harry Hodge as non-executive director and chair of the company’s Board of Directors. William Crothers resigned as chair and director of the Board of Directors after a three-year term, effective immediately.
Asics Invests In Virtual Reality Exercise
Asics Corp. announced that its investment subsidiary, Asics Ventures Corp., had invested in Valkyrie Industries, Ltd., a London-based startup that combines virtual reality with electrical muscle stimulation. The funding amount was undisclosed.
