byLarry EderStarting August 10, 2009, Gene McCarthy, who has built a strong reputation in senior footwear management at Nike, Reebok and Timberland, will become the Senior VP of Footwear at Under Armour. UA launched a new line of running shoes in the early Spring, after having launched a cross training line. UA found an ultra- competitive marketplace and a depressed economy. It will be fascinating to see how Gene McCarthy assembles a team to build on the success of UA in performance apparel.
In fact, as most apparel sales in sports has been decimated in the past year, UA’s bright spot on their recent financial reporting was their apparel. Young athletes and middle age athlete, who want to be young athletes again, love UA apparel. If McCarthy can use his experience to make UA footwear resonate with their apparel audience, give UA the exceptional running product it needs to sell in this marketplace, and develop a team that has the respect of the retail community, then he will be a huge success…..
UNDER ARMOUR APPOINTS GENE MCCARTHY AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FOOTWEAR
Baltimore, MD, July 23rd, 2009 – Completing an extensive search to fill its top footwear position, Under Armour (NYSE:UA) has tapped Gene McCarthy to assume the critical role of Senior Vice President, Footwear, effective August 10, 2009. Mr. McCarthy has more than 25 years of athletic footwear experience, which includes top positions with Nike, Reebok and The Timberland Company. Mr. McCarthy will report to David McCreight, President of Under Armour.
“Gene is uniquely qualified to lead Under Armour footwear as we continue to drive innovation and growth in our global footwear business,†said David McCreight, Under Armour President. “His deep industry experience combined with his leadership, knowledge of ¬¬the market and his understanding of how to deliver innovative products from conception to creation to the consumer will be tremendous assets as Under Armour builds a world-class footwear business.â€
Most recently, Mr. McCarthy served as Co-President of the Timberland® brand and was part of the executive team responsible for developing strategies for all aspects of the $1.4 billion global company including brand voice, consumer activation, and product direction. Also, during his three years at Timberland, Mr. McCarthy held posts as President of the Authentic Youth division as well as Group Vice President for product and design.
Prior to this, Mr. McCarthy was Senior Vice President, Global Footwear at Reebok for two years where he led product marketing, design, development and advanced concepts. Mr. McCarthy also served in various roles at Nike for over 21 years and led the Brand Jordan team for four years as the Global Director of Sales and Retail Marketing.
“Under Armour is known for its best in class product, and I am very excited to be part of such an electrifying brand and to work with David and the team,†said Mr. McCarthy. “I look forward to applying my knowledge to my new leadership role with the Under Armour footwear team.â€
About Under Armour, Inc.
Under Armour® (NYSE: UA) is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and worn by athletes at all levels, from youth to professional, on playing fields around the globe. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, with European headquarters in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium, and additional offices in Denver, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Guangzhou, China. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.underarmour.com.
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Special thanks to Diane Pelkey, Under Armour.
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