President Named at Puma NA

Puma (Herzogenaurach, Germany) has named Tara McRae President of its North American unit. McRae previously led the sports brand’s marketing and brand strategy in the same market, and replaces Bob Philion, has left Puma after 20 years to pursue other opportunities.

“With Tara, we have appointed a leader with a great understanding of our consumers, our industry and the North American market,” said Puma Chief Commercial Officer Matthias Bäumer. “I strongly believe she has the experience and the strategic mindset to help us succeed in this crucial market. I want to thank Bob for the past eight years as the President of PNA, a time during which we put PUMA back on the map in North America, and I wish him all the best for the future.”

In its coverage of the news, Footwear News noted that McRae’s promotion comes less than a week after the company’s surprise announcement that Adidas sales head Arthur Hoeld would be taking over as Puma CEO, replacing Arne Freundt, owing to what the company described in a news release as “differing views on strategy execution.” FN also noted that McRae is now one of several women leaders in the sneaker industry, along with Under Armour President of the Americas Kara Trent, Jordan Brand President Sarah Mensah, Hoka President Robin Green and several others.

Puma operates about 100 stores total in Canada and the U.S., with more than three-quarters of those units in the latter country.