Rob DeMartini is the President and CEO at New Balance Athletics, Inc. He joined the New Balance team in May 2007, bringing with him extensive knowledge and experience from a diverse background in consumer products and business. Drawn to New Balance for its commitment to brand authenticity and responsible leadership, DeMartini achieved his first order of business in 2007 by guiding the company’s leadership team in the development of a responsible growth strategic plan. The plan nurtured and cultivated the unique culture of New Balance while also driving aggressive global growth. Over the past 5 years, New Balance has doubled global sales to more than $3.7 B and achieved one of the highest growth rates in the athletic footwear and apparel industry.
Growth has been delivered by increasing investment in product quality & design, improving digital branding and direct consumer experiences, and by building associate capability while maintaining the powerful culture at New Balance. In addition, DeMartini has promoted the importance of owned manufacturing. He played a key role in working with government and industry officials. On behalf of the industry, he helped secure implementation of the Berry Amendment legislation in athletic footwear. Under his tenure, New Balance has committed to using its footwear, apparel, equipment, technology and coaching expertise to inspire movement both with internal associates and consumers across the globe.
DeMartini has strong business-building experience across various industries. His work with iconic brands supports New Balance’s quest to lead the running industry and strengthen its position as a top global athletic brand. Prior to joining New Balance, his career at Procter & Gamble spanned 20 years, beginning in their Food & Beverage Division and including management roles with the Gillette Company, North American Snacks, and Millstone Coffee. His small-business experience at Millstone complements his work in larger environments, such as his most recent term in 2006 as Group Vice President, Consumer Products for Tyson Foods, a $6+ billion operation.
In addition to his responsibilities at New Balance, 2017 marked the tenth consecutive year for DeMartini’s participation in the Pan-Mass Challenge, an annual bike-a-thon that benefits cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Rob is the Chairman of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. Here, he leads the Pension Investment Committee and sits on the Compensation Committee. He is a board member of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, and Welch’s.
DeMartini earned his B.S. in Finance from San Diego State University.
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