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John Riordan takes over at ISRA
Asics sales manager appointed ISRA coordinator; to take charge from end of January
John Riordan will be the new head of Irish buying group ISRA after agreeing to replace Tom Foley, the man moving to become the new general manager of Intersport.
Riordan is taking over as ISRA’s new coordinator from January 31 and is moving from Asics UK’s sales team, where he was sales manager in the performance running department.
Prior to joining Asics, Riordan worked for Irish airline Aer Lingus, as a senior manager responsible for activities in London, Cork and Shannon. A keen sportsman, Riordan continues to participate as a part time coach with the Football Association of Ireland.
Riordan will also continue to head up and lead the shoe division of the ISRA group.
Said Riordan: “The group’s progress to date and the manner in which the progress has been achieved has been remarkable for a company so young and is testament to all involved
“ISRA’s strength lies in the commitment of its members to developing the strong working relationships and ideas that exist with our current suppliers and I will be upholding that ethos as the core of our business strategy.
“We all appreciate that we face a very challenging retail environment in Ireland, but I am confident that by working even more closely together, ISRA offers suppliers the best opportunity for the growth and development of their brands.”
Outgoing ISRA chief Tom Foley said: “After a very successful time creating and developing ISRA I am delighted that the group and its business will move forward under the direction of John Riordan whose passion for sport, knowledge of the domestic market, strong contacts and prime brand expertise will be a valuable asset to ISRA members and suppliers alike.
“I am proud that ISRA has achieved such excellent results since I established the group and confident that in John ISRA has a leader who will continue to create commercial opportunities of the highest degree.”
In an unplanned twist of fate, Riordan's move from Asics to ISRA brings a recent series of appointments full circle, with Foley moving from ISRA to Intersport to replace Barry Mellis, who is leaving Intersport to take charge at Asics.
