World Federation of Sporting Goods Industry Begins Leadership Transition

ITTIGEN (BERN), SWITZERLAND – (August 3, 2023) – After a successful 16-year tenure, Robbert De Kock, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the World Federation of Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), will be stepping down and the WFSGI Board has appointed Emma (Mason) Zwiebler as Interim CEO starting November 1, 2023.

De Kock, who joined the WFSGI in 2007, has been instrumental in the growth of the organization; significantly growing both membership and revenue streams and aligning the global sporting goods industry with the world’s leading organizations in sports and health.

De Kock successfully led the WFSGI team in the delivery of a wide range of transformative work including the WFSGI Pledge for the FIFA quality program and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the World Health Organization (WHO), to improve global health through increased physical activity and sports participation.

In 2016, De Kock was instrumental in the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) uniform support program and the recent signing of a supplier agreement with the IOC.

“Over the past few years, I’ve dedicated myself to assembling a strong team capable of seamlessly assuming my position,” De Kock said. “The organization is thriving and, with the new WFSGI strategic plan and the signing of the new IOC supplier agreement marking a career-high, it’s the perfect moment for me to embrace the next phase of my life.

“I’m confident that our paths will cross again in the future, but I wish to thank the WFSGI Board for the opportunities to continuously develop the organization, the members for their trust and my team for their loyal support and knowledge.”

“Robbert’s dedication and commitment to the WSFGI mission have been instrumental in positioning the WFSGI as the world’s leading sporting goods industry body,” said Andy Rubin, WFSGI Chair. “The WFSGI now represents the industry at the highest levels of government, sport and health and we would like to thank Robbert for his contribution over many years and we wish him all the best for the future.

“As we bid farewell to Robbert, we are delighted to embark on the next chapter of our journey with Emma appointed as Interim CEO. With her expertise and passion, Emma is well-placed to lead our well-qualified and experienced team. Together they will guide the WFSGI through our next phase of growth and our mission to reduce our impact on the planet, inspire more people to live active lifestyles and promote free and fair trade.”

Zwiebler joined the WFSGI five years ago and has been Vice President for Strategic and External Affairs since 2019. Zwiebler is also a Trustee of the charity Switch the Play Foundation. A former international badminton player, Zwiebler previously worked as a sports lawyer at Squire Patton Boggs and held various roles in sports organizations, including British Showjumping, British Triathlon, Runmates and Chelsea Football Club.

Over the coming months, De Kock will work closely with Zwiebler to ensure a smooth leadership transition and he will continue to advise and support the WFSGI Board and Leadership team until June 2024.