Pearl Izumi names Chris Sword president

Pearl Izumi has replaced the now retired Mike O’Connor with Chris Sword as its new president.

An long-term outdoor industry worker, Sword joins from Oberalp, the owner of Dynafit, Pomoca, Wild Country and Salewa labels. Prior to this, Sword held positions with the Ford Motor Company and Russell Athletic.

“Chris has a unique combination of working for both Fortune 500 companies and small startups,” said the company. “He also has extensive experience in the apparel and footwear categories.”

Sword, who participates in marathons and triathlons along with having developed a taste for skiing, graduated from the Villanova University, later receiving an MBA from the Duke University.