Speedo USA President Jim Gerson Leaving Just Months Before Rio Games

Speedo USA President JIM GERSON will step down at the end of the month, the swimwear maker confirmed. A successor has not been named. Gerson first came to the brand in '10 when then-owner Warnaco Group hired him to run its swimwear division. He stayed on after PVH Corp. acquired Warnaco in '12. The vacancy comes at a key moment for Speedo, which is entering the Rio Games without swimming legend MICHAEL PHELPS wearing its suit for the first time in his career. He signed with Aqua Sphere after he returned from retirement in '14, and Speedo has since cast its lot with MISSY FRANKLIN to lead a personal line set for release later this year. Gerson led the company through a major change in '12, when USA Swimming ended its 27-year exclusive relationship with the brand. In consultation with Speedo, the NGB split the swimwear category into five. Today, competitors Arena and Tyr also sponsor USA Swimming. Gerson did not reply to a message seeking comment.