Jochen Zeitz
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jochen Zeitz (born on April 6, 1963 in Mannheim, Germany) is a German manager, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Puma.
[edit] Career
Breaking from his family’s tradition of studying medicine, Zeitz attended the European Business School of Oestrich-Winkel. In 1986, he graduated with a degree in International Marketing and Finance, which he earned studying in Germany, France, and the United States.
After beginning his professional career with Colgate-Palmolive in New York and Hamburg, Zeitz joined Puma as Business Manager of Marketing Footwear in 1990. In 1991, Zeitz became Head of Marketing, and after holding the title of Vice President of International Marketing and Sales for just a few months, he was appointed CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management. At the age of 30, Zeitz became the youngest Chairman in German history to head a company listed on the German Stock Exchange.
Six months later, the company was profitable again: Zeitz pulled the company out of the crisis and turned Puma – then close to bankruptcy – into a successful sport and lifestyle company worldwide. With Jochen Zeitz as CEO, Puma kicked-off its long-term oriented business plan with four strategic phases[1]: Phase I – build up a profitable business and a solid financial basis for the future (1993-1997); Phase II – aggressive investment in marketing, product and infrastructure, served to reinforce Puma’s image (1998-2002); Phase III – further explore the brand potential (2002-2006); Phase IV – reinforce the position of Puma as one of the leading multi-category “Sportlifestyle brands” (2006-2010).
Jochen Zeitz discovered his interest for the African continent many years ago. Africa plays an important role for Puma as well, as the company is currently the dominant kit supplier of African football national teams. Furthermore, the company has been supporting the development of the African football for many years.
Besides many other awards Zeitz was presented 2004, 2005 and 2006 with the “Strategist of the Year” award by the Financial Times Germany.
Zeitz, as the first European Manager, has been appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of Harley-Davidson Inc. in August 2007[2].
In september 2007, only a few month after the takeover by the French holding company PPR in july, Zeitz has been appointed as a member of the Executive Committee and non-voting member of the Board of Directors of PPR [3]. Ahead of schedule, in october 2007, his contract as CEO of PUMA AG has been extended for five more years until 2012[4].
