Names & Reps - The Latest Sports Industry Staffing News

APOLLO EYE GEAR: Tom Johnson was recently appointed president. He formerly served in executive management positions with Gargoyles Performance Eyewear.
BURTON SNOWBOARDS: Brent Merriam was recently hired as the binding category manager, overseeing the various aspects of binding production and interfacing with the companyís team riders, product managers and engineers to manage the conception, development and manufacturing of the companyís binding product line. Additionally, Chris Kuhr was appointed as boot category manager, where he will oversee the development process of the snowboard boot line.
CHIPMAN-UNION, INC.: Bob Wanat has been promoted to vice president of manufacturing operations. He will be responsible for all manufacturing support services including engineering, quality assurance, purchasing, materials management, logistics and customer service, as well as all manufacturing and warehousing operations at the companyís Union Point, Bryan-Scott and Belmont plants.
THE COLCHESTER GROUP: W. Bruce Cavey, the former VP and GM of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, will head this new marketing services and marketing advisory firm.
DEXTER USA: Vivian Cremer has been appointed senior vice president of the international division. He will be responsible for expanding the brand on a global level.
EAGLE CREEK: Henry Friedman was recently appointed as the new vice president of sales where he will oversee the sales management, customer service and sales planning departments.
INTERNATIONAL LICENSING COMPANY: John DeMoss recently joined the San Diego-based company as chief financial officer. He will guide the companyís worldwide family of brands including Hang Ten, Lightning Bolt, Gouge, Pipeline and Cinderella.
LIFE FITNESS: David Gibbons has been appointed vice president of marketing, where he will be responsible for all global marketing efforts and strategic branding.
STX GOLF: Greg Fudge has been appointed national sales manager of the golf division, responsible for directing the companyís U.S. and international sales teams.
TIMBERLAND: The following changes recently were announced: David Smith was appointed senior vice president of supply chain. He will be responsible for developing and implementing the overall strategy of the global operating business system, and overseeing logistics, manufacturing/sourcing and distribution. Jay Steere was appointed director of sport specialty accounts, where he will direct the development and distribution strategy of the sport specialty, outdoor and running segment; Ashvin Mehta was appointed general manager of the Americas, in addition to his role as vice president of international operations. Gordon Peterson was appointed vice president of operations and social enterprise, where he will be responsible for developing and implementing operational strategies.
TOMMY BAHAMA: Kent Bailey was recently named national sales manager, responsible for sales of the menís and womenís sportswear collections and acting as a liaison between different retail stores and the company.
Rep News
AW SPORTS INC.: Andrew Woidtke and his six salespeople have moved their facilities to 132 Lakeshire Parkway, Canton, MS 39046. Tel: 601-855-0061. The agency travels AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TN and TX.
RICK GIGNAC SPORT SALES: The new company address is 39293 Plymouth Road, Suite 102, Livonia, MI 48150. Tel: 734-591-7087. The agency, which also includes Phil Knochel and Kevin Laber, travels MI and OH.
SPORTING GOODS AGENTS ASSOCIATION: Guy A. Grubel of River Rock Sales in Macungle, PA recently joined the international association. He covers NJ, PA, ND, DE and VA.
THE HAMMOND GROUP: Tony Groskreutz, the MN sales associate, received Flambeauís ìSalesman of the Yearî award at the recent SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Additionally, Scott Sjorgren, the agencyís vice president, was honored with the Motorolaís ìSalesman of the Yearî award.
THE RAY AMSBAUGH COMPANY: Ray Amsbaugh was recently honored by the New Era Cap Company for ìsuperior dedication and achievement and overall salesmanship.î His agency travels KS and OK for New Era and can be reached at 913-367-3892. (Apparel, Eyewear, Footwear, Outdoor)