Doug Kelly has been named president of sports apparel brand Russell Athletic where he will be responsible for the company’s retail, team sports, college bookstore and licensed products businesses, as well as the Bike and Discus Athletic Brands.

Mr Kelly began his career in 1974 with Converse, Inc. and then in 1980 moved to Curley-Bates Co., the organisation that marketed and distributed Mizuno and Easton sport brands throughout North America. In 1986, he was named president and CEO of Easton Sports, Inc. when Easton Inc. purchased Curley-Bates. From 1994 until 2000, he was president and chief operating officer of Pro Player Sports Apparel. Over the past six years, he has served as president and CEO of Imperial Home Decor Group, Inc., Unibic North America Inc.