The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), the global, not-for-profit trade association for the sporting goods industry, has confirmed that Emma (Mason) Zwiebler has been appointed permanent WFSGI Chief Executive Officer, effective from May 1, 2024.
The decision was taken at a recent WFSGI Board Meeting in London after Zwiebler’s term as Interim CEO since November 1, 2023.
WFSGI is officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the sports industry’s representative within the Olympic movement. The organisation’s members comprise sports and sports-inspired leisure brands, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, national/regional federations, industry and trade associations. This represents an estimated 70% of the global industry by annual turnover.
“The Board and I have been very impressed with Emma’s leadership of the WFSGI team as we work towards implementing our 2025 strategic plan,” said WFSGI Chair, Andy Rubin.
“Emma has both tremendous expertise in the sporting goods industry and the passion to deliver the WFSGI purpose to unite and support the industry in creating a healthier more active world for all. She has proved herself to be an innovative and inclusive leader and we’re looking forward to reaching new levels of industry collaboration with Emma at the helm.”
Emma Zwiebler said, “I’d like to thank the WFSGI Board and Chair, Andy Rubin for their support and guidance over the past six months and I look forward to delivering on our 2025 strategic plan with the wider WFSGI team and our members.
“I’m excited to lead the WFSGI through our next phase of growth and plan to double down on our ESG and physical activity priorities with our members. Together we make a strong collective to work towards reducing our impact on the planet and inspiring more people to live active, healthy lifestyles.”
New CEO Zwiebler and her team have a busy summer ahead as they bring to life the World Health Organisation Memorandum of Understanding on Physical Activity with the wider WFSGI membership. They will also continue to activate a WFSGI partnership with the International Olympic Committee which includes the Uniform Support Programme for Paris 2024 athletes and the Road to Paris Pilot Programme.
Zwiebler joined the WFSGI six years ago where she previously held the position of Vice President for Strategic and External Affairs. She is a Trustee of the charity Switch the Play Foundation. A former international badminton player, she also worked as a sports lawyer at Squire Patton Boggs and held various roles in sports organisations including British Showjumping, British Triathlon, and Chelsea Football Club.
