New CEO of SPORT-MASTER
Aug 16, 2013
Jens Høgsted will join SPORT-MASTER as CEO on September
1, 2013 and will thereby replace Hans-Peter Rasmussen who will
continue as a board member.
SPORT-MASTER is Denmark's leading chain of
sporting goods retailer which was acquired in 2012 by the private
equity fund Nordic Capital Fund VII. In connection with the
acquisition, SPORT-MASTER was transformed from a voluntary chain of
independent stores into an integrated capital chain. SPORT-MASTER
has since then entered on an exciting journey with the purpose of
further strengthening the company's leading place in the market and
to be the customers' first choice, both when it comes to stores and
online shopping. To this end, business processes, cooperation with
suppliers, organisation and culture will all be aligned to the new
reality facing a retail business and to the customers' increasing
demands.
Hans-Peter Rasmussen has as CEO been
instrumental in transforming SPORT-MASTER into an integrated
capital chain, but has, in consultation with the board, chosen to
hand over the baton to Jens Høgsted who will join as the new CEO on
September 1 to continue SPORT-MASTER's journey. Hans-Peter
Rasmussen's great knowledge and industry network will continue to
be an asset for SPORT-MASTER, as he will transition to the
board.
Jens Høgsted is 41 years old and has a solid
insight into retail businesses after almost 20 years as a
Management Consultant, where he advised leading consumer brands and
retail chains in Europe. In the past 11 years Jens has been
co-founder and partner in the consultancy firm Quartz+Co which is
one of the leading Nordic management consultancy
companies.
The top management team will, beside Jens
Høgsted, also be strengthened by Chris Bigler as the new CFO. Chris
will join shortly following Jens from a position as CFO in IC
Companys.
Michael Haaning, Chairman of the board of
SPORT-MASTER and Principal, NC Advisory A/S, advisor to the Nordic
Capital Funds, says: "It is in every aspect a radical process to
transform a voluntary chain of independent stores into an
integrated capital chain, and on top of that there are increasing
demands on tomorrow's retail businesses. SPORT-MASTER is already in
the process of creating its new platform, but we want to further
accelerate this process and make it more effective.
Hans-Peter Rasmussen has had a significant role, from
creating the idea of transforming SPORT-MASTER into a capital
chain, to making it happen, and on behalf of the board I would like
to thank him for his great contribution. I am very pleased that
Hans-Peter Rasmussen will become a board member so we can continue
to benefit from his great knowledge and expertise within the retail
and sporting goods sector.
The board is very happy to welcome Jens
Høgsted as CEO. Jens is very analytical and has unique experience
from almost 20 years' of advising the best retail and consumer
goods companies, thereby having detailed insight into strategic and
operational aspects, as well as a solid understanding of the
interesting challenges and opportunities that exist for
SPORT-MASTER."
Jens Høgsted states: "I believe that the
sporting goods industry is the most exciting business I can think
of: It has a mix of great products, exciting brands, talented
people, increasing demand of the store experience and service, and
you have to be able to execute a powerful concept - all centred
around important life style themes such as health, active leisure
time, being together and having fun. Simultaneously it is one of
those businesses where the online market most significantly will
change the game. When I look at SPORT-MASTER it is clear that we
are the ones with the best capability to fulfil the high ambitions
and demands from our customers and to lead the development of this
sector. When you put it all together it is the dream job I could
not refuse."
Hans-Peter Rasmussen explains that he is proud
of passing on the baton: "I believe that we have created a strong
starting point to win the game of sporting goods suppliers in
Denmark - physically as well as online. At the same time, the new
setup makes room for new competencies. I am therefore very proud to
pass on the baton to Jens, whom I am sure has the right profile to
execute the plans and strategies for SPORT-MASTER, and I look
forward to a continued active part as a board
member".
A joint reception will be held in
SPORT-MASTER's office, Baltorpbakken 5-7, DK-2750 Ballerup on
September 5 at 2 p.m.
For further information, please
contact:
Michael Haaning
Chairman of the Board, SPORT-MASTER and
Principal, NC Advisory A/S, advisor to the Nordic Capital
Funds
+45 33 44 77 50
Michael.Haaning@nordiccapital.com
About SPORT-MASTER
For more than 30 years, SPORT-MASTER has
worked focused to gain the market leading position it holds today.
With more than 100 stores, SPORT-MASTER is not only Denmark's
largest sporting goods retailer, but also the most popular among
the Danes. Besides the stores, SPORT-MASTER offers a fast growing
internet store and customer loyalty club, whereby customers can
connect whenever and wherever. The company employs more than 1,000
people dedicated to sport. In 2012 SPORT-MASTER was acquired by
Nordic Capital Fund VII.
Additional information about SPORT-MASTER
is available at www.sportmaster.dk
About Nordic Capital Private Equity Funds
Since the start in 1989, Nordic Capital Private Equity Funds
have invested in large and medium sized companies, primarily in
Northern Europe. Through committed ownership and by targeting
strategic development and operational improvements, Nordic Capital
creates value in its investments. The funds invest in companies in
Northern Europe and in selected investment opportunities
internationally. They are based in Jersey, Channel Islands, and are
advised by the NC Advisory companies in Sweden, Denmark, Finland,
Norway, Germany and the UK. Additional information about Nordic
Capital is available through its corporate website, www.nordiccapital.com.
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