LOUISVILLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — Pearl Izumi has hired Chris Sword as president. He replaces Mike O'Connor, who served as president of the Shimano-owned company before retiring in December 2016.
Sword is an outdoor industry veteran who had been president of Oberalp for the past nine years. Oberalp owns the Dynafit, Salewa, Wild Country and Pomoca brands. Prior to Oberalp, Sword worked for Ford Motor Company and Russell Athletic.
"Pearl Izumi is excited to have Chris joining the brand and taking the helm of the company," said Geoff Shaffer, vice president of global brand marketing at Pearl Izumi. "It's an exciting time for Pearl Izumi, and the organization is looking forward to its next chapter. We anticipate success under Chris' leadership. He has both the passion and experience to continue to drive our brand forward."
Sword said, "I am honored by the opportunity to lead one of the cycling industry's most iconic brands. The chance to match my love of business and cycling with a brand that shares these passions is a unique and exciting opportunity. I'm thrilled to begin work with this talented team and start the next chapter for Pearl Izumi."
Sword is a graduate of Villanova University and later received his MBA from Duke University. He is an avid outdoor athlete who spends his free time riding his bike and skiing, as well as participating in marathons and triathlons.
