Mizuno USA president Bob Puccini elected Chairman of Sports
and Fitness Industry Association
Long-Time President of Top Sporting Goods Brand Looks
to Promote Sports and Fitness Participation While Increasing
Industry Vitality
Norcross, Ga. (October 31, 2012) - Mizuno USA, Inc. and The
Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), formerly
known as The Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association
(SGMA), today announced that Mizuno USA President, Bob
Puccini has been elected SFIA Chairman. Originally elected
as an SFIA board member in 2007 and appointed Executive
Committee member in 2010, Puccini played a key role in
championing the strategic planning initiative to redefine
the association's vision and how they would achieve its
goals. Following the completion and approval of the
strategic plan, Puccini was nominated and elected to
oversee and support the SFIA's execution of the plan he
initiated and developed with the help of other key members
of the board.
The SFIA is the trade association for industry-leading
sports brands, manufacturers and marketers that employ
375,000 people and generate over $70 billion in annual
revenue. Puccini joined Mizuno in 1995 and has served as
Mizuno USA's President since 1996 and Mizuno Corporation
Board Member since 2006. He leads Mizuno's Americas
business in each of the running, golf, baseball and
volleyball divisions that have all seen steady growth
during his tenure.
"Upon finding out I was being nominated to Chairman of the
SFIA, I was honored, humbled and proud that they chose me
to help lead them into a new era that will reinvent the
association, its mission, initiatives and values" said Bob
Puccini, Mizuno USA President. "Over the course of my term
as Chairman, I will tap into the intellectual capital and
resources of the board to help carry out the processes that
will ensure the strategic plan and mission are
accomplished." As part of their new initiatives, Puccini
and the SFIA have committed to four strategic pillars that
will promote sports and fitness participation and industry
vitality, including thought leadership, public affairs,
member services and research/insights. Puccini will work to
ensure the implementation of their strategic plan in 2013
while staying relevant to its constituencies.
"Throughout the past five years, Bob has generously
contributed his time and leadership qualities to the
association, making it truly an honor to elect him
Chairman," said Tom Cove, SFIA President and CEO. "Our
goals and visions are aligned perfectly with his, and we
look forward to expanding our reach, affecting more lives
through participation in sports and fitness, and enhancing
the vitality of our industry." In fact, Puccini said he
sees this role as a "natural fit" with those he champions
at Mizuno whose philosophy is "contributing to society
through the advancement of sporting goods and promotion of
sports".
Puccini's year-long term as SFIA Chairman begins October
31. Kicking off his term as Chairman, Puccini aims to
encourage, empower and engage fellow board members to be
active leaders. In addition, he will strive to communicate
the core values and relevance of an SFIA membership to his
colleagues.
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno
Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods
manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures
and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, track &
field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for
North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross,
Georgia.
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