January 12, 2005
BOSTON, January 12, 2005 – Boston-based New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of two associates. Fran Allen becomes Executive Vice President Sales, U.S. & Canada, while Joe Preston now holds the position of Vice President – International.
Fran Allen joined New Balance in 1991 as Vice President Sales, U.S. & Canada. Allen recently took sales responsibilities for Team Sports and licensed products at New Balance as well as oversight of the company's factory outlet division. An Abington, MA resident, Allen holds a BA from Princeton College and earned his MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College.
Joe Preston, a New Balance associate since 1995, began his New Balance career as Senior Product Manager, Running and Custom Products, before moving on to lead Dunham in 1998 as Division Manager. Preston was named Vice President International – Asia/Pacific in 2002. In his new role, Preston will manage all aspects of the company's international business including Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A Northboro, MA resident, Preston holds a BS from Merrimack College and earned his MBA from Babson Graduate School of Business.
Ed Haddad, previously Area Vice President-International Sales, will become Vice President of Intellectual Properties and Licensed Products. In this role, he will initiate and administer all licensed contracts and ensure that all marketing and web content is compliant with company standards. He will also monitor the web for trademark infringement worldwide and will administrate and maintain all patent, copyright and trademark requests.
"These individuals each bring unique strengths to their respective positions," says Jim Tompkins, President and COO for New Balance. "Their teamwork and leadership skills reflect the core values of the company and will enable New Balance to continue to achieve our goals."
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized performance footwear and athletic apparel for women, men, and children. The range of product categories includes running, walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, adventure, and kids. Dunham, an outdoor performance brand inspired by the world outside, joined the New Balance family in Fall 1998. After acquiring the rights to PF Flyers in February 2000, New Balance re-launched the brand in Spring 2003 as authentic active casual footwear. Aravon® comfort performance brand footwear debuted in January 2004 as an unsurpassed blend of fit, comfort, support and style. In early 2004, New Balance acquired Warrior Lacrosse, widely recognized as the world's most cutting edge manufacturer of lacrosse equipment. New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. employs more than 2,600 people around the globe, and in 2003 reported worldwide sales of $1.3 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com.
