Berkshire’s Brooks Running CEO Highlights China, Europe as Growth Markets
Brooks Running, under the leadership of its new chief executive, Dan Sheridan, is eyeing expansion opportunities in China and Europe, in addition to its strong presence in the U.S. market. Sheridan, who took over on April 26, expressed optimism about the potential for growth in these regions, emphasizing a long-term strategy for establishing Brooks as a leading brand.
Highlighting China’s position as a significant running market, Sheridan announced plans to open the company’s first store in Shanghai this fall, with potential for further expansion. He views this move as part of a decades-long commitment to building Brooks’ presence internationally.
Despite recent challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and energy cost increases impacting European markets, Sheridan sees signs of recovery. He believes the global population of runners could double by 2031, presenting ample opportunities for Brooks to capitalize on its 110-year heritage and reputation.
Sheridan succeeds Jim Weber, who led Brooks for over two decades and oversaw a remarkable transformation from near bankruptcy to $1.2 billion in revenue. Weber’s decision to step down was primarily due to health reasons.
Having spent his entire career at Brooks, Sheridan is well-versed in the company’s operations. He has served as chief operating officer since 2019 and president since 2022. Under his leadership, Brooks has maintained a strong position in the U.S. market, commanding a 21% share in adult performance running shoes, with popular models like the Ghost and Adrenaline GTS leading sales.
Brooks focuses on the high-end market segment, leveraging a combination of science-based approaches and innovative design to attract customers. Despite challenges such as supply chain disruptions and inflation pressures, Sheridan remains optimistic, noting the resilience of the running industry and the success of recent product innovations like nitrogen-infused cushioning in the Glycerin 21 model.
Overall, Sheridan’s vision for Brooks involves leveraging its strengths to expand its global footprint while continuing to innovate and deliver high-quality products to its customers worldwide.
Comment Template