VNU Names Kevin Flanagan ASR Show Director

Laguna Beach, Calif.--Kevin Flanagan, a longtime marketing executive within the action sports industry, has been named group trade show director for the ASR Trade Expos.

Flanagan will begin his new post May 13, tasked with continuing ASR's long-term success and product development.

"Kevin's professional background with leading action sports manufacturers and media players makes him a perfect fit," said David Loechner, VNU Sports Group president. "He understands the issues facing manufacturers, retailers and distributors through direct experience."

Flanagan joins ASR from Globe International Ltd., a leading manufacturer of action sports footwear and lifestyle apparel, where he was vice president of marketing for leading brands including Globe, Gallaz, Mooks and Whyte House Productions, a feature film and multimedia division.

He also served as director of international marketing for Oakley, Inc., and vice president of marketing for Broadband Interactive Group, which produced Fox Sports Net's daily one-hour action sports show, Bluetorch TV.

"Having worked for so many years on the manufacturer's side of the business, I have always enjoyed and appreciated the ASR shows," Flanagan said. "It's an honor to bring my passion, experience and vision to this remarkable team."

Surfing and basketball remain Flanagan's passions outside of the office. While an undergraduate at the University of Arizona, he led the Wildcats as captain for the school's Final Four Championship Basketball team.

Flanagan replaces the late Court Overin, who died Nov. 11 from complications due to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a terminal lung disease.

VNU, which produces the ASR shows, is the publisher of Outdoor Retailer Magazine and outdoorretailer.com.