The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) said Emma (Mason) Zwiebler will replace Robbert de Kock as CEO of the organization effective November 1.
“With the new WFSGI strategic plan and the signing of the new IOC supplier agreement marking a career-high, it’s the perfect moment for me to embrace the next phase of my career,” said de Kock, who has led WFSGI since 2007. On November 1, de Kock will step down.
“I wish to thank the WFSGI Board for the opportunities to continuously develop the organization, the members for their trust and my team for their loyal support and knowledge,” he expressed.
Zwiebler joined WFSGI five years ago and has been vice president of strategic and external affairs since 2019. Zwiebler also serves as a trustee for the NGO Switch the Play Foundation. The former badminton player was previously a sports lawyer at Squire Patton Boggs and held various positions in sports organizations, including British Showjumping, British Triathlon, Runmates, and the Chelsea Football Club.
De Kock, a former badminton player and coach and president of Swiss Badminton, a board member of Badminton Europe and a council member of the World Badminton Federation, will work with Zwiebler during the transition period and continue to serve in an advisory capacity to the WFSGI Board and leadership team until June 2024.
“Robbert has transformed WFSGI and made it future-proof. Without his vision, ideas and tireless commitment to the global sports community, WFSGI would not be where it is today,” said Tobias Gröber, head of ISPO Group and member of the Board of the WFSGI. “We deeply respect his decision and wish him all the best for the future. He will always be welcome on our ISPO platforms. And, of course, we wish Emma all the best in her new job. She can always be sure of our support.”
Among de Kock’s successes during his tenure was the WFSGI Pledge for the FIFA quality program and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve global health through increased physical activity and sports participation. In 2016, de Kock was instrumental in establishing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) uniform support program and recently signed a supplier agreement with the IOC.
Andy Rubin, chairman of the Board of WFSGI, said, “Thanks to Robbert’s dedication and commitment, WFSGI represents the industry at the highest levels of government, sport and health. As we bid farewell to Robbert, we are now embarking on the next chapter in our evolution with Emma as interim CEO. With her expertise and passion, she is well-placed to lead our well-qualified and experienced team. Together they will guide the WFSGI through our next phase of growth and our mission to reduce our impact on the planet, inspire more people to live active lifestyles, and promote free and fair trade.”
Photo courtesy Emma Zwiebler
