Klip America, the worldwide licensee for Volkl Tennis, hired Edoardo Artaldi as global tour manager for the Volkl brand.

Artaldi, based in Milan, played on the ATP Tour for eight years and
reached a ranking in the top 150 in the world. After the tour, he
worked for Sergio Tacchini on the player promotions and marketing side
for tennis, golf and ski. He then moved to Lotto SpA, where he expanded
his experience from tennis to soccer, basketball, volleyball and rugby
marketing, events, team management and player management. In addition
to his new role as Volkl Tour Manager, Artaldi is also the Global Tour
Manager for Sergio Tacchini.

At present, approximately 15 ATP and WTA Tour players are play testing Volkl products, with hopes of finalizing agreements during the first quarter of 2010.

“We have a need to make our brand more visible on Tour and at retail,” said Sean Frost, Managing Director of Klip America. “Since taking over the license for Volkl Tennis, we have re-started the business and getting back on Tour will help us take the first step.”

Klip plans to add between 10 to 15 ATP / WTA players in 2010 and grow the number of ITF juniors playing with Volkl, as well.