Business people :Brian Anderson Named CEO of Madd Gear

Madd Gear, the action sports brand, announced that Brian Anderson has taken on the newly created role of President and CEO of Madd Gear Americas. Already on the board of directors of Madd Gear’s global business headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Anderson now assumes the role of president and CEO of the company’s operations in the Americas.

Anderson will lead the Madd Gear team, build its infrastructure and distribution, and continue to grow the company’s presence in the action sports industry. Immediately he will capitalize on Madd Gear’s position as the number one global brand of freestyle scooters with its upcoming launch into the BMX bikes, protective gear and other categories.

Anderson previously served seven years as President of EB Sport Group, the North American leader in fitness accessories and fitness electronics, developing and marketing products under such brands as Reebok, Everlast and Sportline. Prior to his role at EB, Anderson spent five years as Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at 180s, an innovative apparel and accessories brand. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (formerly SGMA), the Board of Advisors for Franklin Retail Solutions, and was a recipient of the Sporting Goods Business 40 Under 40 award in 2010. Anderson has a degree in chemical engineering from Virginia Tech and is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business at The University of Pennsylvania.

“Madd Gear’s explosive growth has us poised to be one of the top action sports brands on the planet and we need a strong leader to maximize our momentum,” said Mike Horne, Managing Director of Madd Gear International in Melbourne. “Brian is a well-respected executive in the sporting goods industry and we are elated to have him as CEO of Madd Gear Americas. His background, experience and industry relationships will be a huge asset to our company.”

"I am thrilled to join the Madd Gear global team. It's exciting to be involved in a sport with dynamic growth rates, to focus on young consumers, and to further develop a brand which already has amazing prowess with the target consumer,” said Anderson. “Building a successful, sustainable business in this industry requires either a powerful brand or innovative products.  Madd Gear has both.  I am very excited to use those assets to build a great business in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.”

( SportsOneSource Media )