Puma has named Arne Arens as its new chief commercial officer on Thursday as the German sportswear maker continues to reshape its management board.
Arens, 55, will take on the company’s global commercial organization and marketplace strategy as he oversees Puma’s worldwide sales through all product categories and channels. The brand said he will take on the role beginning on November 15.
The move comes just over a month after Matthias Baeumer stepped down from the position but will remain with the company as a consultant and represent Puma on the supervisory board of German soccer club Borussia Dortmund.
“Arne’s unique skillset combines commercial expertise, consumer insights and brand leadership. He has a proven track record in building brands and working with wholesale partners to drive commercial execution, while staying on top of what consumers expect,” Puma CEO Arthur Hoeld said. “His extensive international experience, leadership capabilities and passion for sport make him the ideal addition to Puma as we execute our strategy and deliver on our ambition to make Puma a Top 3 Global Sports Brand.”
With over 25 years of experience in the sporting goods and outdoor industries, Arens has held several leadership roles at several companies, including Nike, The North Face and YETI.
Before his appointment at Puma, he was the CEO at Unspun, which develops technology for automated and localized apparel manufacturing.
“With its great heritage and a brand known across the globe, Puma holds a unique position in the sporting goods industry and has a tremendous opportunity in the global market,” Arens said. “I look forward to working with our teams and retail partners to unlock these opportunities and connect Puma with consumers around the globe.”
With the appointment of Arens, Puma’s reshaped management board will now consist of Hoeld as CEO, Mark Langer as chief financial officer, Maria Valdes as chief brand officer, Andreas Hubert chief operating officer while Arens takes on chief commercial officer duties.
