Japanese sportswear brand Asics has named Koichiro Kodama as its president and chief executive officer for North America, returning to a role he served in back in 2020.
Kodama joined the Kobe-based company in 2016, before becoming president of North America in 2019, a position he held until December 2020. In January 2021, he was promoted to managing executive officer, a position he will keep with his new position.
As CEO of Asics North America, he will oversee the company’s performance running, sports style, apparel and accessories, and core performance sports businesses in the region.
“My goal for the region remains unchanged: to set the business up for sustained success and to drive growth of brand value and preference,” said Kodama in a statement.
Kodama’s appointment comes one month after Asics announced a number of leadership changes, including Mitsuyuki Tominaga’s appointment as president and chief operating officer, beginning 1st January 2024.
Motoi Oyama has been reappointed as part of the leadership shuffle. Oyama, who is now chairman and director, will be promoted to senior advisor and director. Her retirement date is set for 22nd March 2024.
Other important leadership changes include the move of Yasuhito Hirota, who now serves as president, CEO, and COO, to the role of chairman and CEO, representative director.
