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CSGA Appoints New President & CEO

Corporate • June 14, 2021

TORONTO, ONTARIO (June 14, 2021) – The Canadian Sporting Goods Association (CSGA) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Jon Irwin as the association’s new President & CEO, effective July 1, 2021. Irwin’s appointment came after an extensive search to replace Julian Savory, who is retiring after eight years of rebuilding the association to spend more time with his family and community on the west coast.

A proven executive with an impressive supplier and retail track record & industry experience, Irwin joins the CSGA as the industry emerges from the COVID pandemic and embraces an exciting, new and rapidly accelerated united digital world. Irwin brings his passion for the sporting goods industry and leadership experience to lead the association in its future plans to provide new products and services of value to its stakeholders. Jon will report directly to the CSGA Board of Directors

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Jon take on the leadership of the CSGA during a very transformative time for the sporting goods industry,” said Brad Hause, CSGA Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of Sports Distributors of Canada (SDC).  “The impact of COVID both now and into the foreseeable future is going to be a test for all.  Now, more than ever, the industry is going to be looking to the CSGA as we navigate this path together.”

“I could not be more grateful and excited to accept the position of President and CEO of the CSGA. The association is poised to further develop its vision and build on the momentum that Julian has created over the past 8 years,” Irwin said. “The impact on sporting goods and retail has been significant during the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s an important time for the sporting goods industry to focus on our community. I look forward to working with our Board of Directors, our corporate partners and most of all our members to maintain, create and grow the sporting goods industry.”

“The sporting goods industry has been my career for the past 45 years and it means a lot to me to know that the industry association is in good hands under Jon’s leadership and the Board’s governance,” Savory said. “It truly has been my pleasure and honour to work with so many wonderful industry colleagues. I wish you all the best for the exciting years ahead.”

About Canadian Sporting Goods Association [CSGA]

The Canadian sporting goods industry is made up of suppliers, retailers, representatives and business service providers that supply products and services generating 15B annualized turnover.

The CSGA is a Canadian not-for-profit corporation that represents the businesses involved in Canada’s sporting goods industry to its stakeholders nationally and internationally.