Ash City, the promotional apparel supplier located in Lenexa, Kan., on December 3 announced the appointment of Doug Hayes as the company’s new president and CEO. He will oversee all aspects of the company’s go-to-market strategy for North America, starting January 3, 2013. Founder Garry Hurvitz will continue to lead Ash City’s product development and supply chain initiatives.
“Doug Hayes brings a wealth of management experience to Ash City,” said Hurvitz. “He has an impeccable track record of performance and excellence, and of fostering long-lasting relationships with both customers and employees with every organization he has led.”
Hayes has served as president of the Americas for Crocs Inc. since January 2009. In this role, he was responsible for all operations for North and South America, including Crocs’ wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. He joined Crocs in September 2008, successfully rebuilding the company’s Canadian wholesale and retail businesses as vice president/managing director for Crocs Canada.
Prior to joining Crocs, Hayes spent more than 25 years in the sports industry. He held a position as president of National Sports and senior vice president of Forzani Group Ltd., the largest national sporting goods retailer in Canada. He also served as president of Callaway Golf Canada and president of adidas-Salomon Canada Limited, where he successfully integrated adidas/Salomon and Taylor Made Golf in Canada.
“As a Canadian, having worked in the USA for the past four years, I have long admired Ash City and the great business that Garry has built on both sides of the border. I am excited and honored to be given the challenge of taking this organization to the next level”, said Hayes. “In the next few months, there will be exciting developments at Ash City and it is my intention to not only grow and nurture an already tremendous business, but also to bring innovative perspectives and business approaches to Ash City in 2013 and beyond.”
Hayes’ position as president and CEO begins January 3, 2013. “We are looking forward to having Doug at the helm”, noted Hurvitz, “He is the right person to drive our business forward and take advantage of the tremendous growth opportunities heading into 2013. The future looks very bright.”
For more information, visit www.ashcity.com.
