Norcross, GA (July 10, 2006) – Mizuno USA, Inc. announced today that Bob Puccini, President Mizuno USA, Inc., and Chairman, Mizuno Canada, Ltd., has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Mizuno Corporation. Bob Puccini joined Mizuno USA, Inc. in 1995 as Vice President and General Manager of the Sports Division and was quickly promoted to President of Mizuno USA, Inc. in 1996.
Under Puccini’s leadership, the U.S. operations of Mizuno Corporation were dramatically turned around, leading to a profitable business entity. As a result of his strategic vision and brand-centric approach, Mizuno USA, Inc. has consistently grown earnings and revenue over the past six consecutive years, and has more than doubled revenue since 1999. In addition, Mizuno USA, Inc. has experienced record achievements in market share within each U.S. division, while driving improvements in operational efficiencies, inventory control, product availability, service levels, and operating cash flow. In 2002, Puccini was appointed Chairman of Mizuno Canada, in addition to his role as President of Mizuno USA, Inc.
On Thursday, May 18th, 2006, it was officially announced that Bob Puccini and Kenji Onoda, Division Manager, Product Research and Development were nominated to Mizuno Corporation’s Board of Directors. On June 28, 2006, the shareholders of Mizuno Corporation voted upon the nominations of Bob Puccini and Kenji Onoda, and both were officially appointed to the Board of Directors with a majority vote.
"I’m truly honored to be part of an organization with such a great heritage, history, and belief system as Mizuno Corporation possesses," said Bob Puccini, President Mizuno USA, Inc., and Chairman, Mizuno Canada, Ltd. "I would like to thank Chairman, Masato Mizuno, President, Akito Mizuno, and the members of the Board for this honor, and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of Mizuno Corporation for years to come. I especially want to thank all of the employees of Mizuno USA, Mizuno Canada, and our partners in Japan, as I believe the success this company has experienced over the last several years can be directly attributed to their hard work, dedication, and passion for our brand vision, as well as our global teamwork across the oceans. Mizuno celebrated its 100-year anniversary in April, and now there is an incumbency upon us to continue to grow and drive this exceptional brand to ensure it becomes an even stronger global player over the next 100 years. It will be important to maintain Mizuno’s leadership position in innovation and performance, while remaining steadfast to the values and principles upon which this company was founded."
Mizuno Corporation, celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2006, is viewing the United States as a strategic lever for global growth. It has made a long-term strategic commitment to the U.S. market, and Puccini’s addition to the Board of Directors signals yet another step reflecting the growing importance and influence of the U.S. market in the future of Mizuno Corporation. The appointment of Kenji Onoda to the Board of Directors reflects Mizuno’s commitment to Research & Development, and the critical role it will continue to play in the company’s future. The heightened emphasis on a more global approach to operations and brand initiatives will serve to build global brand market share in all Mizuno categories, further fortifying Mizuno as a global brand.
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, markets, and distributes baseball, golf, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.
Contact:
Iver Maple
Mizuno USA
(770) 453-7832
Iver.maple@mizunousa.com
