After 16 years, Robbert De Kock, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), has decided to pass the baton to a new leader. The WFSGI Board of Directors appointed Emma (Mason) Zwiebler as interim CEO, effective Nov. 1, 2023.
De Kock, who joined WFSGI in 2007, has been instrumental in the organization’s growth, significantly increasing both membership and revenue streams and bringing the global sporting goods industry together with the world’s leading sports and health organizations. During his time in office, he successfully led the WFSGI team in implementing a wide range of transformative actions, including the WFSGI pledge to the FIFA Quality Program and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve global health through increased physical activity and sports participation. He was instrumental in establishing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Uniform Support Program in 2016 and the recent signing of a supplier agreement with the IOC.
De Kock commented on his decision to leave WFSGI, “Over the past few years, I’ve dedicated myself to assembling a strong team capable of seamlessly assuming my position. The organization is thriving and, with the new WFSGI strategic plan and the signing of the new IOC supplier agreement marking a career-high, it’s the perfect moment for me to embrace the next phase of my life. […] I’m confident that our paths will cross again in the future, but I wish to thank the WFSGI Board for the opportunities to continuously develop the organization, the members for their trust and my team for their loyal support and knowledge.”
“Robbert’s dedication and commitment to the WSFGI mission have been instrumental in positioning the WFSGI as the world’s leading sporting goods industry body,“ WFSGI Chairman Andy Rubin commented. “The WFSGI now represents the industry at the highest levels of government, sport and health, and we would like to thank Robbert for his contribution over many years, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
The soon-to-be interim CEO Zwiebler joined WFSGI five years ago and has served as Vice President of Strategic and External Affairs since 2019. She is also a trustee of the Switch the Play Foundation charity. A former international badminton player, Zwiebler previously worked as a sports lawyer at Squire Patton Boggs and held various roles in sports organizations, including British Showjumping, British Triathlon, Runmates and Chelsea Football Club. ”With her expertise and passion, Emma is well-placed to lead our well-qualified and experienced team,” Rubin said. ”Together, they will guide the WFSGI through our next phase of growth and our mission to reduce our impact on the planet, inspire more people to live active lifestyles and promote free and fair trade.”
In the coming months, De Kock will work closely with Zwiebler to ensure a smooth leadership transition, and he will continue to advise and support the WFSGI board and leadership team through June 2024.
