Intersport Austria has announced the appointment of Franz Koll as its new CEO, effective Sept. 1. This strategic leadership change marks a significant step for the company as it looks to strengthen its position in the sporting goods industry across Austria and its licensed markets in Hungary, Czechia and Slovakia.
Koll, who previously held a senior leadership role at Intersport from 2009 to 2016, returns to the company after successful tenures at Bellaflora and 3e. His experience in the retail sector, combined with his deep understanding of the sporting goods market, positions him as the ideal candidate to lead Intersport Austria into its next growth phase.
“With Franz Koll, we have found a new head coach from within our team for this important role,“ commented Harald Tscherne, Chairman of Intersport Austria Group’s Supervisory Board. “He is a true team player with all the necessary management skills and a deep understanding of the sporting goods industry. Under his leadership, we are confident that Intersport will reach new heights.”
Koll’s return to Intersport comes at a crucial time as the company seeks to build on its strong market presence. The Intersport Austria Group, headquartered in Wels, encompasses 104 Intersport retailers across more than 280 locations in Austria as of January 2024. The company employs approximately 4,000 people and manages a total sales area of around 190,000 square meters. Additionally, Intersport Austria licenses operations in Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia.
Koll succeeds Thorsten Schmitz, who served as CEO for the past eight years. Tscherne took the opportunity to thank Schmitz for his leadership, noting that he has “paved the way for future challenges” and wishing him well in his future endeavors. Intersport Austria did not provide any details regarding Schmitz’s departure.
Intersport Austria plans to expand its market reach, leveraging its strong regional presence and flagship stores in major cities, along with its Intersport Rent stores in popular tourist destinations. With Koll at the helm, the company aims to enhance its customer experience further and strengthen its position as a leading player in the sporting goods industry.
