NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (May 16, 2012) – Anne Broholm has been appointed chief executive officer of Ahead, the innovative, successful headwear, apparel and golf accessories company owned by Sweden’s New Wave Group AB (NEWAb.ST). Additionally, Chuck Lord has been appointed chief operating officer of Ahead. Ken Shwartz, Ahead founder and current CEO, will remain on the company’s board of directors.
Broholm, who will assume her new responsibilities June 1, has been with Cutter & Buck, another company within New Wave Group’s corporate portfolio, since 2005, most recently as global sales manager, golf. Her previous experience included nine years as executive vice president of sales and marketing for Imperial Headwear and additional apparel experience with Liz Claiborne, Ocean Pacific, and O’Neill.
As CEO, she will oversee sales, marketing and finance for Ahead’s four business units: Men’s Apparel, Ahead Headwear, the “Heavy Metal™” line of golf accessories and the “Kate Lord™ Collection” of women’s hats, apparel and accessories.
Lord will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations at the New Bedford, Massachusetts facility, including design, distribution, customer service and production. He has been director of art and design for Ahead since the company was established in January 1995.
“Anne’s talents and in-depth knowledge of the golf industry will be invaluable assets to guide Ahead to the next levels,” said Torsten Jansson, managing director and CEO of New Wave Group. “Her vast network and leadership, combined with Chuck’s creativity and knowledge of internal operations, will aid us to strengthen and grow our market position.”
Ahead is best known for its premier headwear collections that feature original approaches to logo ornamentation options. Founded in 1995, Ahead has been able to capitalize on the golf industry’s desire for high-quality graphics on headwear and an array of garments. Among active professional golfers who wear Ahead gear on the course are Luke Donald, Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk, Sean O’Hair and Brittany Lincicome.
New Wave Group AB is engaged on the design, acquisition, and development of brands and products within the promotion, sports, gift and interior design sectors. Its corporate portfolio includes Clique, Craft, Orrefors and Kosta Boda, among other brands.
For additional information, access the Ahead web site at www.aheadweb.com.
Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
908/876-5100
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
