Fila UK to scrap head marketer post in rejig
Fila UK has scrapped the role of marketing director in a restructure following the departure of Stuart Ryan last month (MW May 24).
Ryan, who joined Fila in 1997 from rival sportswear brand Nike, was Fila’s first marketing director.
His departure came hard on the heels of UK managing director Mike Baxter, who retired in April. Baxter’s position was filled by the Reebok marketer Peter Lawson.
A spokeswoman for Fila in Italy confirms that a restructuring is taking place in the UK, but could not provide any further details.
Earlier this month, the holding company of Fila, Holding di Partecipazioni (HdP), said in a statement that it is considering selling its controlling stake in the loss-making Italian sportswear brand.
HdP holds 54.6 per cent of the company’s capital and has called for an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on June 28, which will assess the possible disposal of its interest in Fila.
Fila reported worldwide revenue down one per cent, to €259m (£158m) in the first quarter of 2001, from €261.6m (£159.5m) in the same period last year.
Fila and sports car maker Ferrari recently signed a three-year licensing agreement for the production and worldwide distribution of sportswear under the Ferrari brand.
