SGB Update

Continental Tires Americas Hires Head of Bicycle

Continental Tires the Americas, LLC, based in Fort Mill, SC, said Shane Messner joined the company as head of Bicycle the Americas timed with the company’s recently announcing it is ramping up its presence in the U.S. and Canada with QBP as a new distribution partner.

Seirus Adds Indie Sales Agency for Colorado Territory

Seirus added Brooke Turner Webster and her agency to its independent sales rep team. As principal and managing partner of Turner LTD, Turner will oversee sales in Colorado, a key territory for the company. 

Z-Man Adds and Upgrades Fishing Tackle Talent to Team

Six-year Z-Man veteran and previous sales manager Ryan Harder was promoted this past summer to brand manager. Brandon McKellar recently joined the company at its home office in Ladson, SC to backfill Harder’s former role.

Nike Opens New Store in Tokyo Focused on Running

The purpose for Nike Ginza is to serve local runners at all levels and connect them to one another. In Japan, this is channeled through competitive relay running, a passion that’s visible from late fall through winter during Ekiden season.

Vista Outdoor Gets Antitrust Nod for Ammo Business Sale

Vista Outdoor, Inc. reported that the deal to merge its sporting products business with Czechoslovak Group a.s. has cleared the antitrust clearance period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

Nordstrom Names Chief Information Security Officer

Nordstrom named Nicole Ford as chief information security officer. Previously, Ford was VP and CISO at Rockwell Automation, with experience guiding security transformation initiatives and developing cybersecurity programs.

Fleet Feet Opens Ninth Store in Missouri

Fleet Feet announced a new store was opened in Jefferson City, MO, by owner/operator Nancy Yaeger, who also owns Fleet Feet Columbia. The opening marks the ninth Fleet Feet store in the state.

Vasque Expands Product Team with Development Lead

Vasque Footwear expanded its product department hiring Austyn Dunham to lead footwear development. She is responsible for design intent, managing the construction phase and collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers through product fruition. 

New Guards Group Appoints SVP/GM for Reebok Europe

The fashion group owned by Farfetch Limited hired Adidas veteran Markus Kleber as SVP/GM of Reebok Europe and Reebok Ltd. Farfetch recently announced it would not report Q3 results and canceled guidance.

Strava Appoints Former Nike Exec as CEO

The company hired Michael Martin as CEO, replacing outgoing CEO, Michael Horvath. Martin will also join the Strava Board upon assuming the role on January 2, 2024. Currently, Martin serves as the GM of YouTube Shopping.