Gocke Appointed Global Director of Golf; Elder Takes Helm as Director – International Division
OGIO Logo Two specialists who have helped bring OGIO to an unprecedented competitive position have been appointed to new roles within the company. Tom Gocke, a 15-year veteran of the golf industry and OGIO’s national golf sales manager, is now the company’s first Global Director of Golf. Steve Elder, who until recently worked as OGIO’s director of operations, will serve its Director – International Division.
The appointments were announced today by OGIO President David Wunderli.
"The OGIO brand is growing at an explosive pace right now and never more so than in our international division," Wunderli explains. "With such progress, our distributors overseas and throughout North and South America need the best support we can give them. Both Steve and Tom bring the business acumen and the operational expertise to ensure that our domestic and international teams realize their full potential."
Gocke joined OGIO in 2005 as a regional, then later national, golf sales manager. During his tenure with OGIO, the company has seen consistent annual sales growth within both the off-course and on-course channels. The former Nike Tour professional golfer and celebrity golf teacher also worked for eight years as Bite Golf’s director of golf.
"OGIO’s success has hinged on our commitment to authenticity," Gocke explains. "Whether we’re finding new solutions for snowboarders, building our team of sponsored motocross riders, or developing the most ground-breaking golf bag components, the final product reflects the way we live, eat and breathe within those worlds. We’re beautifully poised to become a global brand and it is an honor to work with our international team to help make that happen."
Prior to working as OGIO’s controller and director of information systems, Elder served as a principal consultant for Oracle Corporation, implementing the company’s financial applications for multi-million dollar clients and managing project teams of up to 25 people. He began his career as a consultant with Arthur Andersen based in Seattle. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Accountancy in Information Systems (MAcc) degrees from Brigham Young University, and is a CPA.
ABOUT OGIO
OGIO International, Inc. is an award-winning global leader in gear bag design, recognized for its athlete- inspired technology. The privately held Utah Company, founded in 1987, distributes products nationally and internationally under the OGIO brand name, and operates an original equipment manufacturer division to produce gear bags for other internationally known brands. In 2004, OGIO’s design team received the coveted Business Week IDEA Award for design excellence. The brand’s collection includes an extensive line of athlete-designed golf bags; back packs; snow, skate and surf packs; school packs; motocross bags; messenger bags; and other active gear. For more information, visit www.ogio.com.
VISIT OGIO AT THE PGA SHOW – Booth #2373
OGIO will launch its new line of stand, cart, and golf travel bags, as well as its collection of tournament gear, at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida (January 17 – 19). Visit OGIO and its golf team at Booth #2373.
Contact:
Kelly M. Mooney / This Just In (503.722.4080 or kelly@ogio.com), and Mike Beedle / OGIO (801.619.4100 x3264 or beedle@ogio.com).
