William Zhang, a manager who climbed through the ranks at...

William Zhang, a manager who climbed through the ranks at Décathlon in China, has become its chief executive officer in Greater China. He replaces Pannya Khamphommala, who has returned to Europe to work for Domyos, the French retail group's private label for fitness products. The switch was confirmed to us through an inquiry last month but it already occurred in May. Zhang joined Décathlon eight years ago as a store department manager in Jinqiao, then became store manager in Yizhuang and in Dajiaoting. He climbed further through the ranks to become regional manager in the northeast China area, and finally chief executive. Décathlon currently has 91 stores on mainland China, compared with 72 at the end of last year.