SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Head NA Names Bardsley as Next CEO; Kempin Sets July Retirement
The company has named Jeff Bardsley as the next president and CEO of Head North America. The current VP of Racquet Sports marketing for North America, will replace longtime CEO Kevin Kempin, who will retire July 1 after 32 years with the company.
Academy Appoints EVP & Chief Information Officer
Sumit Anand joined Academy this month and reports directly to CEO Steve Lawrence. Anand oversees enterprise technology operations, including cybersecurity, IT infrastructure and operations, and IT shared services, supporting the company’s corporate, distribution center and retail initiatives.
PickleRage Accelerates Growth with Nine New Franchise Agreements
With this latest round of franchise agreements, the company is debuting in North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Texas, further expanding its national presence.
Target Lays Out Strategic Plans to Drive $15 Billion+ in Sales Growth by 2030
This week, the retailer outlined for the financial community how ongoing investments will accelerate its strategy and drive billions of dollars of profitable sales growth across its multi-channel business by 2030.
The Arizona Hideaway Collection Brings Four Iconic Golf Properties Under One Brand
Under The Allred family, who have rejuvenated destination properties for nearly five decades, including Telluride, the properties include The Hermosa Inn, Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, Rancho Mañana Golf Club, and Sedona Golf Resort.
Vaura Pilates Inks Master Franchise Partnership for Southeast Asia and Middle East
The company continues its global expansion with a new Master Franchise Partner, Luxe Fit Pilates, for Southeast Asia and the Middle East. With studios in Tanglin and Joo Chiat (Singapore), this new partnership will bring Vaura’s wellness philosophy to new urban centers within the regions.
MyFitnessPal Appoints Chief Revenue Officer, Advertising
Industry veteran Amit Patel brings over 25 years of experience in business strategy, digital media and advertising to the global nutrition and tracking app
Rip Curl and Oboz Parent KMD Names Former Nike Europe CEO as New Group CEO
Brent Scrimshaw transitioned from a non-executive role on the company’s Board to assume the role of Group CEO and managing director on March 24. Outgoing Group CEO Michael Daly will step down as director of KMD Brands on March 25 and complete a transition period with Scrimshaw until April 4.
Ross Stores Reports Q4 Sales and Earnings at Top End of Forecast
Ross sales trends began softening later in January and into February. The company believes a combination of unseasonable weather and heightened volatility in the macroeconomic and geopolitical environments has negatively impacted customer traffic.
Nordstrom Beats Q4 Sales and Earnings Estimates; CFO Heading to Starbucks
In the fourth quarter, active, women’s and men’s apparel reportedly had the strongest growth versus fourth quarter 2023. For fiscal 2024, active, women’s and men’s apparel, kids, and shoes were said to be the strongest categories.
SFIA Names VP of External Affairs & Industry Relations
Bonnie McLaughlin will join the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and to its executive team on March 10, 2025. The SFIA also promoted Lisa Futterman to senior manager of Marketing and Communications reporting to McLaughlin.
Pickleball, Inc. Sees New Investment from Hyperspace Ventures
This new deal represents the largest single investment by Hyperspace Ventures and made alongside Good Alpha Industries, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and other investors, joining Tom Dundon and Dundon Capital Partners.
True Spec Golf Expands Footprint in New York City
The club fitting service has partnered with Chelsea Piers, New York City’s sports and entertainment complex. The venue, inside Chelsea Piers Golf Club driving range, joins True Spec NYC North, NYC Grand Central and NYC Downtown locations.
Target Signals Concerns over Tariffs and Consumer in Cautious 2025 Outlook
Target said fourth quarter results were led by strong performance in Sporting Goods, Apparel, Entertainment, Beauty and Toys.
On Holding Swings to Q4 Profit in Q4; DTC Reaches 48.8 Percent of Net Sales
On’s fourth quarter net sales increased 35.7 percent (+40.6 percent constant-currency) to CHF 606.6 million. The strong performance was said to be supported by On’s ability to convert on the rapid rise in brand awareness across the globe.
