Finding A New Balance: Footwear Brand Taps DeMartini As CEO

New Balance Names Robert DeMartini CEO

New Balance named Tyson Foods Consumer Products Division Group VP ROBERT DEMARTINI CEO. At Tyson Foods, DeMartini was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the $6B consumer products business. Previously, DeMartini held exec positions at Procter & Gamble and The Gillette Co., where he oversaw a $2.2B business as North American Blades & Razors & Personal Care Senior VP & GM. New Balance Chair & CEO JIM DAVIS will remain Chair (THE DAILY). DeMartini “has no experience in the sporting goods business,” but Davis said that the 45-year-old DeMartini was chosen “to introduce younger and more progressive management.” Davis: “The industry is changing and the way we’ve done things in the past worked OK, but not as effectively as it did before. We need some new ideas, some fresh perspective — someone who can more effectively sell the product and work with retailers.” Davis added that the leadership change is “not a signal the company will be sold or taken public.” In Boston, Jenn Abelson notes “part of DeMartini’s mission is to train Davis’ two children who are now in college and have expressed interest in running the company in the future” (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/18).