New York, NY – Bobby Jones – a division of the W Diamond Group – announced today that is has selected golf apparel industry expert, Andy Bell, as the company’s new President, effective immediately. Bell, a 19-year veteran of the golf apparel industry, most recently served as President of Summit Golf Brands (parent company of Fairway & Greene, Zero Restriction and EP Pro brands). Prior to his tenure at Summit Golf Brands, Bell represented luxury golf brands House of Carrington and Polo Ralph Lauren in various management roles.
In addition to the acquisition of Bell, the internal promotions of company stalwarts Mari Harkins to Vice President – Merchandising & Planning and Carol O’Grady to Vice President – Sales Operations, respectively, have given Bobby Jones a new look leadership team for 2013. Harkins brings 20 years of apparel industry merchandising experience to her new role, while O’Grady, a member of the Bobby Jones team for two decades, offers 25-years apparel industry experience with an emphasis in sales and operations strategies. Former Bobby Jones President, John Kirwan, has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman and will focus on the Bobby Jones’ international business, going forward.
“We are excited to have such a seasoned industry veteran in Andy Bell leading our Bobby Jones team,” said Doug Williams, Chief Executive Officer and Owner – W Diamond Group. “W Diamond Group was formed by my wife Karen and myself to focus on the development of the great American brands like Bobby Jones, Hickey Freeman and Hart Schaffner Marx. From the beginning of our involvement in the Bobby Jones business, the respect of the heritage and integrity of Bobby Jones, the individual, has been paramount in how we look at the Bobby Jones brand. The focus of our team on the green grass customers takes on the same values of integrity and personal relationships. We will only promise what we can deliver — first and foremost, delivering amazing product on time. Both Carol and Mari have embodied that integrity and given his track record of success, I’m confident that Andy is the man to lead our company to the next level, while advancing the culture we’ve created.”
For nearly two decades, Bobby Jones has provided luxury men’s and women’s sportswear, including polo shirts, button downs, shorts, slacks and sweaters/knits to demanding consumers looking to exude a classy, cool confidence on and off the course. Bobby Jones apparel can be found at the finest golf clubs in the world, including Augusta National and the Pebble Beach Company resorts. For more information on the Bobby Jones brand, visit www.bobbyjones.com.
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About Bobby Jones
Headquartered in New York City, Bobby Jones, a division of the W Diamond Group, manufactures, markets and distributes elegantly styled men’s and women’s sportswear. Like its namesake, Bobby Jones apparel is the definition of class, using only premium quality materials to create classic, timeless designs that exude confidence on and off the course. Bobby Jones apparel has been a mainstay in the golf industry since the 1990’s and is sold in the finest private clubs, resorts and golf courses worldwide. For more information visit www.bobbyjones.com.
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