German sportswear firm Puma has appointed Ryokusai Inoue to the role of general manager of Puma Japan, effective immediately, reporting directly to Puma CEO, Arne Freundt.
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Inoue first joined Puma in 2015 as director of retail. In this position, the executive helped Puma’s Japanese business by building a solid commercial foundation through the company’s owned and operated channels, as well as setting up the retail teams which laid the groundwork for Puma’s growth in the archipelago market, according to a press release.
The new appointment as chief of the Japan market sees Inoue return to Puma after working for one year as country manager of Tesla Japan.
“I’m glad that Ryokusai is returning to Puma to lead this important market,” said Freundt.
“I am very confident that with his vast experience in retail and his understanding of Puma’s culture, products and sales, Ryokusai is the right candidate to take Puma Japan to the next level.”
Inoue replaces Kohei Hagio, who had been in charge of Puma Japan since 2021. A reason for Hagio’s departure was not disclosed.
In its most recent trading update last month, Puma said third-quarter sales increased 6 percent currency adjusted to EUR 2.31 billion (USD 2.46 billion), a slowdown in growth compared to the second quarter.
Asia Pacific sales grew by 4.6 percent to EUR 435.9 million in the quarter, supported by a “continued trend of recovery” in Greater China, following the market reopening in January, as well as ongoing growth in Japan and India, said Puma.