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Koch to lead Puma as European Corporation
Head of global strategy to takeover as CEO from Jochen Zeitz upon the transformation of company into European Corporation
Puma’s current head of global strategy Franz Koch has been named as the successor to Jochen Zeitz, who is due to step down as chief executive officer after 18 years in the position.
Koch has been appointed to the Puma board of management as chief strategic officer with immediate effect, and will takeover from Zeitz when Puma converts into a European Corporation, trading under the name of Puma SE. The transformation is subject to approval at the company’s annual shareholder meeting on April 14.
Following the conversion, Zeitz will become executive chairman of the one-tier Puma SE board. Additionally, Zeitz has been appointed head of the Sport & Lifestyle Group of PPR as well as chief sustainability officer.
In his role as head of global strategy, Koch has been responsible for the long-term strategic group development and management of special projects such as portfolio optimisation, process re-engineering as well as mergers and acquisitions. He coordinated and helped execute the company’s restructuring program in 2009 to lay the foundation for sustainable growth following the economic crisis.
Puma said Koch strongly contributed to its long-term sustainability programme and most recently, was instrumental in developing, in close cooperation with Jochen Zeitz and the other members of the board of management, the five-year growth strategy, ‘Back on the Attack 2011-15’, with its mission for Puma to become ‘the most desirable and sustainable sportlifestyle company’.
Zeitz said: “Having an exceptionally analytical yet most pragmatic mind, Koch has been one of the key drivers of Puma’s strategic course and strongly contributed to our 2010 record sales level.
“Together, we have defined the company’s five-year strategic plan which will be the catalyst to tap into Puma’s envisaged sales potential of €4bn in 2015. I am convinced that Franz is the right person at the right time and that he is the most qualified candidate and dedicated individual to take the helm at Puma.”
