Mizuno USA president Bob Puccini elected Chairman of Sports and Fitness Industry Association
Long-Time President of Top Sporting Goods Brand Looks to Promote Sports and Fitness Participation While Increasing Industry Vitality
Norcross, Ga. (October 31, 2012) — Mizuno USA, Inc. and The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), formerly known as The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), today announced that Mizuno USA President, Bob Puccini has been elected SFIA Chairman. Originally elected as an SFIA board member in 2007 and appointed Executive Committee member in 2010, Puccini played a key role in championing the strategic planning initiative to redefine the association's vision and how they would achieve its goals. Following the completion and approval of the strategic plan, Puccini was nominated and elected to oversee and support the SFIA's execution of the plan he initiated and developed with the help of other key members of the board.
The SFIA is the trade association for industry-leading sports brands, manufacturers and marketers that employ 375,000 people and generate over $70 billion in annual revenue. Puccini joined Mizuno in 1995 and has served as Mizuno USA's President since 1996 and Mizuno Corporation Board Member since 2006. He leads Mizuno's Americas business in each of the running, golf, baseball and volleyball divisions that have all seen steady growth during his tenure.
"Upon finding out I was being nominated to Chairman of the SFIA, I was honored, humbled and proud that they chose me to help lead them into a new era that will reinvent the association, its mission, initiatives and values" said Bob Puccini, Mizuno USA President. "Over the course of my term as Chairman, I will tap into the intellectual capital and resources of the board to help carry out the processes that will ensure the strategic plan and mission are accomplished." As part of their new initiatives, Puccini and the SFIA have committed to four strategic pillars that will promote sports and fitness participation and industry vitality, including thought leadership, public affairs, member services and research/insights. Puccini will work to ensure the implementation of their strategic plan in 2013 while staying relevant to its constituencies.
"Throughout the past five years, Bob has generously contributed his time and leadership qualities to the association, making it truly an honor to elect him Chairman," said Tom Cove, SFIA President and CEO. "Our goals and visions are aligned perfectly with his, and we look forward to expanding our reach, affecting more lives through participation in sports and fitness, and enhancing the vitality of our industry." In fact, Puccini said he sees this role as a "natural fit" with those he champions at Mizuno whose philosophy is "contributing to society through the advancement of sporting goods and promotion of sports".
Puccini's year-long term as SFIA Chairman begins October 31. Kicking off his term as Chairman, Puccini aims to encourage, empower and engage fellow board members to be active leaders. In addition, he will strive to communicate the core values and relevance of an SFIA membership to his colleagues.
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.