The Italian swimming sports specialist Arena Spa has promoted Mark Pinger to Chief Brand Officer (CBO). The former German Olympic swimmer, who has headed Arena’s US business as General Manager since 2016, will start his new post on October 1, the company announced on Thursday.
As a CBO, Pinger will move into the company’s executive Leadership team and in the future from the global headquarters in Tolentino from “the areas of product development, license management as well as brand and sports marketing are responsible,” said Arena. He works “closely with the teams of all markets to further strengthen the presence of arena in the segments of competition swimming, fitness swimming and beach clothing”.
Arena CEO Peter Graschi explained the personnel decision. “Mark’s development from the Olympic swimmer to Chief Brand Officer testifies to his great passion for swimming and his close relationship with Arena, the brand that accompanied him during his time in the German national team,” he explains in a statement. “I am very pleased that Mark will lead our global product and brand organization.”