TaylorMade Golf Company today announced the completion of the restructure of its executive team by adding three new team members. Ben Sharpe, TaylorMade’s CEO since June 2014, has been making significant strides in restructuring the internal organization. The three new appointments are all former TaylorMade executives: Bob Maggiore, Chief Marketing Officer, David Abeles, President of TaylorMade and Adams Golf, and Jeff Barker, Chief Financial Officer.
“We have three great executives, each with proven success in the industry and with our brands, rejoining the team,” said Sharpe. “We now have the executive talent to execute the game plan we have established for long-term success.”
Abeles rejoins the company as President of TaylorMade and Adams Golf. A 12-year veteran of the company, Abeles brings a deep executive skill set, leadership competence and business acumen built both within the golf industry as well as in world of sports. Most recently the CEO of the Competitor Group Inc., Abeles returns to oversee the global business operations for the TaylorMade and Adams Golf brands. Within the golf community, Abeles is widely respected for his relationships and energetic connection with both the retailer and consumer.
Maggiore is widely recognized for leading the TaylorMade brand to unprecedented heights. Maggiore’s understanding and passion for the industry, along with his strategic vision produced award-winning campaigns that led to runaway product success stories. With a previous 16-years logged with the company, he returns with a renewed focus on creating an emotional connection with the golfer and igniting an energy in the marketplace through meaningful brand storytelling. Marketing and digital teams will report into Maggiore.
Barker will rejoin the team in early March. He began his career in 2000 as an accountant and has taken growth assignments within TaylorMade and the adidas Group over his 15-year tenure with the company. In 2010, Barker took the role of Director, Finance and Operations for EMEA & Pacific at TaylorMade’s UK office. In his most recent role, Barker was the Finance Director for the adidas Group in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he ensured profitable growth in a complex and legislative heavy market. He was also key in the successful sponsorship of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil for adidas. Barker’s exceptional international business and financial background, along with his strong leadership and team building skills will bring valued long-term strategic thinking to the team.
TaylorMade Golf Company is a global-leading manufacturer of golf equipment, apparel and footwear. TaylorMade Golf features four leading brands: TaylorMade, the #1 Driver and Irons in Golf,* Adams, the #1 hybrid on Tour*, adidas Golf, a leading provider of athletic apparel and footwear for golf, and Ashworth, a brand synonymous with the game.
#1 Driver in Golf and #1 Fairway in Golf claims based on combined 2014 wins and usage on the PGA, European, Japan Golf, Web.com, Champions and LPGA Tours, as reported by the Darrell Survey Co. and Sports Marketing Surveys, Inc. # 1 Irons in Golf claim based on 2014 Golf Datatech On & Off Course Retail Market Report. #1 Hybrid on Tour claim based on 2014 Adams hybrid usage on the PGA, Champions, LPGA, European, and Web.com Tours, as reported by the Darrell Survey Co. and Sports Marketing Surveys, Inc.
About the adidas Group
The adidas Group is a global leader in the sporting goods industry, offering a broad portfolio of footwear, apparel and hardware for sport and lifestyle around the core brands adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade, Rockport and Reebok-CCM Hockey. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the Group employs more than 50,000 people across the globe and generated sales of €14.5 billion in 2013.
About TaylorMade Golf Company
Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, TaylorMade Golf Company sells golf clubs, balls, clothing and accessories under the TaylorMade, adidas Golf, Adams and Ashworth brands. TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company posted 2013 sales of over €1.3 billion.
For more information, contact:
TaylorMade Golf Company Global Communications
Heather Spears
Tel: (760) 476.8073
