Business Editors

SPARKS, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 2003

In an on-going effort to develop best-in-class products and increase its market share in the athletic footwear category through improved innovation and design, Fila President & CEO Jon Epstein has named Mike Houser as Global Director of Kid's Footwear for the company.

In his new role, Mr. Houser will be responsible for developing a global children's product range. He will oversee a category that includes adult takedown product, stand-alone offerings and special make-ups for key customers and countries. Mr. Houser will work with Fila subsidiaries around the world to improve distribution of Fila children's footwear in their markets and will have a key role in the development of specific marketing initiatives to support the category.

Mr. Houser, 38, joined Fila in 1997 as a National Key Account Sales Representative managing the company's relationship with Footlocker. After three years, he transitioned to product development as the Business Unit Manager for kid's footwear. While at Fila, Houser has also assumed responsibility for the Basketball and Cross Training categories while developing signature product for sponsored athletes.

Mr. Houser's 15 years of industry experience include 7 years at adidas America where he was a National Account Manager and regional sales representative. He was also at Reebok for 3 years in regional sales.

"Mike's knowledge and experience have had a positive impact on our footwear division," said Jon Epstein, Fila President & CEO. "It is natural that Mike evolve into this key leadership role. His expertise in footwear product development, sales and marketing will clearly strengthen Fila's position globally in the kid's footwear category."

Mr. Houser is a native of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania and is a 1987 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University. He currently resides in Yardley, Pennsylvania with his wife Karen and two children. Mr. Houser will continue to be based at Fila's headquarters in Sparks, Maryland and will report to Mikal Peveto, SVP/Global Footwear.

Fila is a subsidiary of Sport Brands International. Fila is a leading manufacturer of footwear and apparel for sport and leisurewear. It has developed strong brand recognition by marketing products with a high design and style content that are endorsed by professional athletes around the world including tennis champions Jennifer Capriati, Kim Clijsters and Jelena Dokic, NBA basketball star Grant Hill, perennial MLB All-Star Barry Bonds, 2001 LPGA Rookie of the Year Han Hee-Won and Olympic skiing champion Alberto Tomba.