Adidas appointed ZION ARMSTRONG as president of adidas North America, effective July 1. Armstrong will succeed MARK KING, who decided to step down after a long career at adidas. Armstrong has co-led adidas North America as GM with King since June '15. Armstrong will report directly to adidas exec board member responsible for global sales ROLAND AUSCHEL. King will continue to serve adidas North America as advisor (adidas). ... BT Sport appointed MATT STAGG as director of mobile strategy. Stagg will continue to lead telecom EE's "strategy for delivering 4G and 5G networks for the media and broadcast industries." In his new role, Stagg will report to BT Sport COO JAMIE HINDHAUGH (TVB EUROPE, 4/19). ... GIAN-FRANCO KASPER is "set to secure a sixth term" as president of the Int'l Ski Federation (FIS) after the governing body confirmed he will stand unopposed during next month's congress. The Swiss official was first elected to the role in '98 (INSIDE THE GAMES, 4/23). ... Fan engagement company InCrowd appointed DAN LIPMAN as business director of FanScore. Lipman, who previously worked at mass participation event organizer Human Race, "has specialised in driving and monetising customer acquisition and engagement for major rights holders" including British Athletics, the Lawn Tennis Association and Tough Mudder (THE TICKETING BUSINESS, 4/23). ... World Rugby appointed DAN PAYNE as CEO of Rugby Americas, which promotes community and elite rugby within the Americas. Payne, who has served as CEO of USA Rugby, will assume his new role in July (World Rugby). ... Legends appointed BEN MARTIN as VP, partnership for Legends Int'l. Martin will be responsible for cultivating relationships with brands and rightsholders across Europe and other int'l markets, driving revenue and collaborating with the Legends global sales team (Legends).
COACHES/MANAGERS: STEVEN FERGUSON and STUART KETTLEWELL were appointed co-managers of Scottish Premiership side Ross County "on a permanent basis." The duo took over the club after OWEN COYLE departed in March "after just five months in charge" (PA, 4/24). ... Serie A side Udinese sacked coach MASSIMO ODDO on Tuesday after 11 straight defeats in the league and announced he would be replaced by former Croatia and Juventus defender IGOR TUDOR (REUTERS, 4/24).
