(Londonderry, New Hampshire) – Renowned Danish shoemaker ECCO announces that industry veteran Michael Waack has been named Head of Global Golf for its luxury-market-leading footwear.
Based at ECCO corporate headquarters in Tønder, Denmark, Waack will be tasked with overseeing continued expansion of the brand’s distinctive golf shoes in existing markets and developing robust sales networks in new territories. The 50-year-old Hamburg native will also work closely with the brand’s international Tour, branding, marketing and product development teams.
Waack previously spent six years as ECCO Golf Division Sales Manager for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. He also served as German Sales Manager for Cross Sportswear and for 23 years was owner/operator of a successful car dealership specializing in luxury automobiles.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to take on a new position within the ECCO family,” says Waack. “My goal is to continue the ECCO philosophy of becoming the best and most desired brand in golf. To accomplish this, we’ll be focusing on continuing growth by working with the right partners in the right places.”
“Michael has been a great member of our Golf Division for some time and was the key factor in establishing ECCO as the leading golf footwear brand in Germany, Austria and Switzerland,” notes Andreas Wortmann, Executive Vice President, Branding and Products. “His keen understanding of our products and culture, combined with his passion for the golf industry, make him the ideal person for this key role.”
ECCO is preferred by international Tour stars Fred Couples, Colin Montgomerie, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Thomas Bjorn, Thongchai Jaidee, John Bickerton, Steven Jeppesen, Juli Inkster, Carin Koch, Pat Hurst, Sophie Gustafson, Laura Davies, Meena Lee, Candie Kung, Linda Wessberg, Wendy Ward and others.
ECCO’s Spring/Summer 2008 golf collection features unequaled comfort, style and performance in several new designs, including the distinctive C-Force Hydromax for men – the first-ever golf shoe to incorporate a Carbon Force Plate to provide unequaled lightness, flexibility, strength and durability. For women, the new ACE series offers a unique system of interlocking Truss Support Elements that creates the most advanced swing platform in the women’s game.
Distinguished by advanced technologies alongside an unmatched combination of out-of-the-box comfort, high-grade leathers and attention to detail, each shoe in the 2008 collection passes through more than 225 sets of highly-skilled hands during a production process exclusively executed at ECCO-owned factories. This labor-intensive manufacturing guarantees the brand’s golf shoes help players excel under the most demanding conditions.
All ECCO designs blend a network of built-in technologies to create the ideal platform for the perfect swing. Principal among these is a direct-injected, PU-constructed midsole/outsole. Made from a process unique to ECCO in the golf industry, this:
* Creates a one-piece shoe construction
* Ensures unrivaled durability, flexibility, lightness and weather resistance
* Provides a superior level of cushioning and comfort that does not break down over time, unlike commonly-used materials such as air, rubber and EVA foam
Additional performance features of the Spring/Summer 2008 golf collection include:
* Ultra-soft, high-grade leathers with hydrophobic treatments for superb weather-resistance
* Internal stabilizer to reduce torque and create ideal swing stability
* Double-layer insole with cushion that absorbs heel force to reduce stress on the knees, hips and back
* Internal Air-Circulation System to maintain a fresh, dry and cool foot environment
* Dynamic Energy Return System that provides a trampoline effect during foot-strike and follow-through to reduce fatigue and restore energy with each step
* Green-friendly outsole designs featuring molded traction bars combined with Stinger cleats from Champ and the Q-Lok insert system to provide ideal traction and grip
About ECCO
The only major shoe manufacturer to own and manage the entire value chain from cow to consumer, ECCO is a global leader in city, casual and sport shoes for men, women and children. In 2006, the Danish company sold more than 14.8 million pairs, achieving net revenues of 4.5 billion DKK (approximately 645 million euros).
Founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy, ECCO has nearly 13,000 employees, direct subsidiaries in Europe, the Far East and North America, and partners worldwide. ECCO shoes are sold in more than 3,000 shops globally, including 551 mono-brand (ECCO exclusive) stores.
Following the rules of good craftsmanship to deliver genuine freedom of movement and comfort to consumers, ECCO’s aim has never been to be the biggest, but always to be the best.
ECCO USA is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. For more information: visit www.eccousa.com, 800.886.3226
Contact:
Tom Williams
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3322
twilliams@billycaspergolf.com
