FootJoy has announced a key change within its sales team for the UK & Ireland, welcoming back Gordi Browne as Head of Field Sales.
Browne will take over from Glyn Evans who retires at the end of 2023 following just over 34 years with the company.
“I am delighted to welcome Gordi back to Team FJ as our new Head of Field Sales,” said FJ Brand Director Russell Lawes. “I know Gordi is extremely excited to be back with the brand, and his wealth of experience combined with his huge passion for the FJ brand will help him successfully take the baton from Glyn Evans, who retires after 34 years of stellar service”.
Browne originally joined the FootJoy business in 2005 as an Area Sales Manager for the South West. After spending a few years in the role he became Field Sales Manager and would later have a focus on the apparel side of the business.
After 14 years with FJ, Browne started his own business to work as a consultant representing different brands within the golf industry before joining YUMAX Golf to manage brands such as Skechers, Bushnell and Castore.
“It was an incredible opportunity to rejoin the business,” Browne said. “I am delighted to be returning and I look forward to continuing the great work Glyn has done over the many years he has been with FootJoy. During my time out of the business I never lost my passion for the brand, or its people. You really notice at Acushnet that everyone is invested in the golf business, and you can sense that passion walking around the building that we are collectively trying to achieve something great together. There is a reason why FootJoy is a No.1 brand and it brings me great pleasure to be back as a part of the team.”
In his four years away from Acushnet, Browne believes his experience working with different brands, some who operate outside of the golf space, will stand him in good stead for the future.
“Having the opportunity to work with different brands in the marketplace has given me a better understanding of differing strategies,” he added. “So having the opportunity to come back to a brand where I still have that passion, alongside being able to bring that additional knowledge and experience, I look forward to being able to offer something back.
“The Acushnet business and FootJoy brand continues to develop and invest. Since returning I have met some brilliant people in the Acushnet business who are driving improvements in our systems, customer service, marketing and product innovation.
“In addition, the sales team and our shoe fitting experts on the road are so motivated and passionate about the brand and how we can improve going forward. The clear focus for me in the coming months is to support the business and our partners in a smooth transition from Glyn to myself. There are a lot of exciting opportunities happening within the FootJoy brand and I look forward to being a part of the journey for many years to come.”