Lumin Fitness Inks First Franchise Partner to Fuel Brand Expansion
The first franchise agreement with Verge Fit Holdings closely follows the brand’s launch in late 2023 and outlines expansion plans for key Texas markets over the next three years including Austin, Houston and Dallas.
Soleta Golf Club Appoints General Manager
Soleta Golf Club, the new luxury golf and lifestyle community slated for the Sarasota/Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch markets, hired Mark Rummings as General Manager.
Phantom Glide Expands Sales Team in U.S. and Europe
“With the launch of Phantom Glide Nordic and the strong momentum we’re seeing with Phantom Glide sales, we jumped at the opportunity to add two veteran sales managers to the team.” —Steve Kropf, Senior Vice President, Sales, Phantom Glide.
Circana to Acquire Golf Datatech
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to be completed by March 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, Golf Datatech will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Circana.
Fitness Connection Opens 45th Location
The company opened a third gym in San Antonio, TX, the 45th in its nationwide network. The new Westover facility opened on January 20 and includes a 50,000-square-foot gym, catering to all fitness levels and preferences.
KV Capital Merges Two Powersports Brands Via Acquisition
The company anticipates merging the UTV Canada business with Mountain Sports Distribution, the full-service powersports distributor that joined the KV Capital Fund II portfolio in 2023. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Thor Industries Appoints Chief Human Resources Officer
Michele McDermott joins the company as chief human resources officer, reporting to Thor President and CEO Bob Martin.
Academy Sports and Outdoors Appoints Chief Supply Chain Officer
Rob Howell will join the company as SVP and chief supply chain officer in February 2024, reporting to President Sam Johnson. He will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers, and domestic and international logistics.
Athletic Propulsion Labs Appoints Footwear Vet as SVP of Sales
With a solid background in key account sales management at Vans and Toms, Seth Stern will oversee the luxury performance athletic footwear brand’s global wholesale channel.
Pure Hockey Expands into Iowa with New Acquisition
The acquisition of JT’s Slap Shot in Urbandale, IA, marks Pure Hockey’s first entry into the state and “underscores the company’s commitment to serving the needs of hockey players across the U.S.”
Werner Riethmann Departs Active Management of Lowa
After more than 30 years, Werner Riethmann left active management of Lowa Sportschuh GmbH at the end of December 2023. He will remain with the Bavarian hiking and mountain boot specialist as a shareholder with a 20 percent share and in an advisory capacity.
Egym Gets Leadership Lift with Addition of Two Former Fitness CEOs
The company has named Chris Clawson, the former CEO of Life Fitness, as general manager Gymtech, and Rob Barker, former CEO of Precor, as a strategic advisor to Egym CEO Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer.
Sun Mountain Sports Taps Puma Golf, Adidas Vet as New President
Grant Knudson was named president and chief brand officer, effective immediately. He joins the company’s executive team led by CEO Ed Kowachek.
Duluth Trading Appoints New CFO
Heena Agrawal will assume the role of SVP and CFO, effective February 12, 2024.
True Religion to Launch Footwear Range Under New License Deal
True Religion inked a footwear licensing agreement with Orly Corporation for its men’s, women’s, and kid’s footwear collection, which is expected to launch in Fall 2024.