CARLSBAD, CALIF (February 5, 2013) – TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company (TMaG) has elevated Ben Sharpe to the position of Executive Vice President of adidas Golf and Ashworth. In his new role, Sharpe will be responsible for global product creation and innovation (footwear and apparel), brand strategy and sales for both global brands.
Sharpe spent the past six years as TMaG’s Managing Director for Europe where he helped double TMaG’s business in that region.
“We’re very excited to have Ben take the lead on adidas Golf and Ashworth,” said Mark King, TMaG CEO and President, “His success in Europe has been vital to our business and we believe he’s the right person to help us build on the global momentum and success of these two great brands.”
Sharpe was born and raised in Birmingham, England and graduated from Sheffield University in 1996 with a degree in Business Studies and Financial Markets. He has led marketing groups for several companies including Motortrade Hartwell PLC and Lyle & Scott before joining TMaG in 2006.
“This is an excellent time to move to the adidas Golf and Ashworth brands, as both experienced double-digit growth in 2012,” said Sharpe. “I am passionate about bringing relevant and ‘hot’ products to today’s golfer, and I’m confident about the many opportunities we have to generate worldwide growth in apparel and footwear. Both adidas Golf and Ashworth posted significant increases last year, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping to keep that momentum going. We have a lot of talented people here and I’m confident that together we’ll bring be able to bring better and better apparel and footwear to that market place that keep both brands growing worldwide.”
Sharpe is an avid golfer and played for England’s field hockey team in the 2000 Summer Olympics. He’s also an ardent follower of the Aston Villa football team. He and his wife Rachael recently relocated from England and currently reside in Carlsbad with their two children, Oliver (6) and Poppy (2).
About the adidas Group
The adidas Group is one of the global leaders within the sporting goods industry, offering a broad range of products around the core brands: adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade, Rockport and Reebok-CCM Hockey. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group has more than 46,000 employees and generated sales of over Ì¢?åÂ13 billion in 2011.
About TaylorMade-adidas Golf
Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company sells golf clubs, balls, clothing and accessories under the TaylorMade, adidas Golf, Adams and Ashworth brands. TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company posted 2011 sales of over Ì¢?åÂ1.0 billion.
About Adams Golf
Adams Golf, the maker of the #1 Hybrids on the PGA Tour, offers a complete lineup of innovative, easy-to-hit products for golfers of all skill levels. For more information, please visit www.adamsgolf.com or shop.adamsgolf.com.
Contact:
TaylorMade Golf
Public Relations Department
Heather Spears
Tel: (760) 476.8073
heather.spears@tmag.com
Brittany Smith
Tel: (760) 476.5766
brittany.smith@tmag.com
