Brussels, Tuesday 2 November 2021
Today, the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Board members: Charlotte Cox – President EMEA at Pentland Brands and Stefan Rosenkranz – Managing Director of BSI (German sporting goods association). The vote took place during FESI’s annual General Assembly, which was held partially online and at the Brussels’ headquarters of the Federation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am very happy to welcome Charlotte and Stefan to our Board. This will bring fresh ideas and energy to drive FESI’s priorities for the coming year”, commented Jérôme Pero, FESI Secretary-General, after the vote. “Today’s discussions between our members have been highly productive and the year 2022 promises to be full of new challenges for our industry. I’m really looking forward to working alongside our new Board members to deliver on FESI’s priorities when it comes to corporate responsibility, trade, digitalisation or the promotion of sport and physical activity”, he added.
President EMEA and Executive team member at Pentland Brands, Charlotte Cox is responsible for the EMEA commercial teams and has over 20 years’ experience across a range of commercial, product & marketing and international business development roles. Charlotte has held leadership roles for the likes of Canterbury of New Zealand, Mitre and Speedo and, as Vice President Strategic Customers at Pentland Brands, she led the strategy and team delivering double-digit sales growth across its global brand portfolio. Since she’s been member of FESI, Charlotte has been very active in supporting the Federation’s efforts towards promoting physical activity and mental wellbeing.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the FESI board and I’m excited to start working with them to address some of the big challenges and opportunities in our industry”, declared Charlotte Cox. “I’ve grown up playing and watching sports and understand the incredible benefits that physical activity has on our mental and physical wellbeing. That’s why I’m particularly motivated to get more people moving, through improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports and outdoor activities”, she added.
Finally, Stefan Rosenkranz will be the new representative of BSI (German Sporting Goods Industry Association) at FESI’s Board. Appointed Managing Director of BSI in November 2020, Stefan has been in charge since February 2021 of the interests and developments of the industry association. In his last position, Stefan worked as a management consultant for digitalisation processes and implemented various projects in the areas of web presence, e-commerce and e-marketing. Before he held various management positions in the sporting goods industry, including a 10-year term as Managing Director of Oberalp Deutschland GmbH (Salewa, Dynafit, Wild Country, Pomoca).
“The last two years have shown the importance of a united and strong sporting goods industry whether on a domestic or a European level. “Sport Unites” therefore becomes the future claim of the BSI and I am happy that we can also unite much closer with our European Partner FESI”, declared Stefan Rosenkranz. “Together we can become stronger and more visible in the regional but also European governments and create more awareness within for our challenges and interests. This will lead in an open political discussion and government support for our industry sector. It is an honour for me as well as for all members, that the BSI in the future also represents an important role on the European level of Sporting Goods”, he added.
This election brings the number of FESI Board members to 15. FESI will now focus on implementing the actions and priorities approved by its members during today’s General Assembly. In particular, FESI will launch next year a “StrongHER” campaign to promote physical activity among young girls, for which the Federation has received the full support of its new Board members.
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About FESI: Founded in 1960, FESI – the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry -represents the interests of approximately 1.800 sporting goods manufacturers (85% of the European market) through its National Sporting Goods Industry Federations and its directly affiliated member companies. 70-75% of FESI’s membership is made up of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. In total, the European Sporting Goods Industry employs over 700.000 EU citizens and has an annual turnover of some 81 billion euro. Read more
Contact: Ariane Gatti / FESI Communication Officer: [email protected] / Phone: +32 2 274 08 94
