Brooks
U.S. professional running brand BROOKS has appointed Claire Wood as Vice President of Footwear Product Strategy, a newly created role.
In her new position, Claire Wood will lead the brand’s footwear product line management, merchandising planning, and product marketing teams, with the goal of strengthening the company’s ability to align its long-term vision with product development and go-to-market strategies.
Claire Wood joined outdoor brand Sorel in 2019 as Global Product Director. She was promoted to Vice President of Global Footwear in December 2021, and in November 2023 became Vice President of Product Creation and Global Footwear. During her tenure, she oversaw design, development, and product management and led a multi-year transformation of products and processes.
Before joining Sorel, Claire Wood spent more than a decade at sportswear brand New Balance, rising to roles including Global Product Director and Strategic Business Manager for the Performance Running category, where she played a core leadership role in the brand’s running business. She is also a recognised leader and spokesperson in the running category, working closely with elite athletes in track and field and road running to translate performance needs into scalable, innovative products.
Claire Wood’s career began at BROOKS, where she initially served as a Field Marketing Representative before becoming one of the brand’s first Footwear Product Line Managers. She contributed to shaping the early development of the Ghost series, now one of the brand’s best-selling flagship running shoes.
Gymshark
UK fitness apparel brand Gymshark has appointed Carly Natalizia as Chief Commercial Officer.
Most recently serving as Chief Digital Officer at Gymshark, Carly Natalizia will now oversee the brand’s omnichannel commercial strategy, including new product launches, the scaled expansion of emerging business segments, and the continued optimisation of its digital ecosystem. She will continue to report to Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ben Francis.
Carly Natalizia joined Gymshark in 2022 as Vice President of Marketing and was later promoted to Chief Digital Officer. During her tenure, she played a central role in advancing digital transformation and enhancing customer experience, supporting the brand through a period of rapid growth and organisational change.
REI Co-op
REI Co-op, the largest specialty outdoor retailer in the United States, has announced the appointment of Rose Marcario and Charles Sams to its Board of Directors, and the extension of current director Ted Philip’s term by three years.
Rose Marcario is a partner at early-stage venture capital firm ReGen Ventures, which focuses on climate, planetary and human health regeneration. She previously served as Chief Executive Officer of outdoor brand Patagonia from 2014 to 2020.
Charles Sams served as the 19th Director of the U.S. National Park Service, with his term concluding in 2025.
Ted Philip most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Partners In Health, a non-profit organisation dedicated to serving vulnerable communities in Haiti, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, and Lesotho. He also has experience in the retail, consumer goods, and technology sectors. He has served on the REI board since 2018.
Other board members include REI President and Chief Executive Officer Mary Beth Laughton, Chris Carr, Eric Sprunk, John Vandemore, Doug Mack, Patricia Lopez, and Lisa Bougie.
LIV Golf
Global golf league LIV Golf has announced a series of senior leadership appointments in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region:
- Chris Beadle has been appointed Global Vice President of Commercial, APAC;
- Martin Kim has been appointed Managing Director, East Asia, and will also serve as General Manager of a new Korean golf club under the brand;
- Ben Slack has been appointed Managing Director, Australia.
Above, from left to right: Chris Beadle, Martin Kim, Ben Slack
In his new role, Chris Beadle will lead partnerships and commercial strategy across the Asia-Pacific region, supporting the league’s sustainable growth in the region while aligning with global objectives. Prior to joining LIV Golf, he served as Director of Partnership Sales at Aston Villa Football Club and held senior roles at CSM Sport & Entertainment, advising global brands on sports investment and partnership strategies.
With more than a decade of experience in sports, esports, and major league operations, Martin Kim most recently served as General Manager at LIV Golf. He previously held management positions at Gen.G Esports, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Major League Baseball.
In his new position, Ben Slack will lead commercial growth and tournament execution, ensuring the continued success of LIV Golf Adelaide. He previously held senior commercial leadership roles at World Rugby and Tennis Australia, overseeing global media rights and sponsorship strategy for the Rugby World Cup and helping to drive fan experience and international growth for the Australian Open, including the establishment of Tennis Australia’s first Asia office.
Sea to Summit
Australian outdoor adventure equipment brand Sea to Summit has appointed Jon Hanson as President of North America.
In his new role, Jon Hanson will work alongside Aaron Baker, Senior Director of Sales for North America.
Jon Hanson brings more than 20 years of sales and management experience in the outdoor industry. Most recently, he served at Stanley 1913 as General Manager of North America since March 2023. Prior to that, he spent more than six years at Amer Sports as U.S. Sales Director, overseeing multiple outdoor brands under the group, including Arc’teryx and Salomon.
Before joining Amer Sports, he spent eight years at Columbia Sportswear, where he rose to the position of Key Account Manager, and later served for three years as Regional Sales Manager at Mountain Hardwear.
| Source: official press releases, FashionNetwork
| Image Credit: personal social media accounts
| Editor: LeZhi
