Key changes at PUMA

Administrative board Chairman Jean-Fransçois Palus plans a new chapter for the PUMA brand.

Franz Koch will step down from his position as PUMA chief executive and member of the Group Executive Committee of PPR SA, the main shareholder of PUMA SE, at the end of March. In addition, Chief Supply Chain Officer Reiner Seiz has informed the company’s administrative board that he is leaving to pursue new career opportunities after 23 years at PUMA.

With these departures following soon after Jochen Zeitz’ resignation as administrative board chairman in December 2012, the German sportswear giant is entering a new phase in its development. Its top management structure is, therefore, changing to face the challenge.
Mr Koch will remain in his post until the end of March, working closely with new administrative board Chairman, Jean-François Palus.

“Together with Jochen Zeitz, Franz Koch has been the driver of strategic key initiatives and has strongly contributed to PUMA’s development over the past few years,” said Mr Palus. “I would like to warmly thank Franz for his efforts, commitment and dedication to PUMA, as well as his contribution to evolving the organisation and management team. Going forward with the future CEO, who we aim to hire by spring 2013, we will pursue the reorganisation of the company, focus on product innovation and marketing, and will continue to devote the necessary resources to the development of the brand. We are now going to write a new chapter for PUMA and, thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of the teams I’ve been meeting around the world, I am fully confident in our ability to realise the huge potential of this iconic brand.”

Photograph shows Administrative board Chairman Jean-Fransçois Palus.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 2 of the February 2013 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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