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Jonathon Power: Closely associated with the Dunlop brank in North America. (photo © Debra Tessier)

DUNLOP AMERICAS MARKETING STRUCTURE
Dunlop, whose squash products have become difficult to obtain in the USA this fall due to conflicts between Dunlop and its former exclusive USA distributor, Focus Golf, has completed a major change to its go-to-market strategy in the USA.

Under the leadership of Sports World Group, LTD., based in London, England, Dunlop Sports announces that it has combined the ownership of the Dunlop brand and the management of the Dunlop business in the USA, now having completed consolidation of former licensing agreements (with Focus Golf) into the new Dunlop structure. Dunlop, now operating as a fully integrated business, will centralize its United States and Canadian golf and racquet sports business units under new direct Dunlop management in Greenville, SC.

The new business structure will distribute product for these two markets from its new Greenville, SC and Mississauga, Ontario, Canada warehouses. Dunlop golf clubs to be sold in the US market will remain a part of the exclusive licensing agreement between Sports World Group, LTD., and Focus Golf Systems, Inc.

DUNLOP AMERICAS LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dunlop Sports in North America—to be known as Dunlop Sports Group, Americas (DSGA)— will be led by Robert Sameski, Vice President and General Manager and Ken Daiss, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Rounding out Dunlop’s leadership team are Steven Zalinski, Dunlop’s Director of Sales—Racquet Sports; Chuck Peebles, Director of Sales—Canada; Stephen Hall, Director of Marketing—Racquet Sports; and Paul Balfour, Director of Sales-National Accounts and Special Markets.

According to Sameski, “As of November 4, 2005, we have completed the combined ownership of the Dunlop brand and the management of the Dunlop business, now having consolidated golf and racquet licensing agreements into the new Dunlop structure, with the exception of golf clubs in the US market.”

“To have knowledgeable and talented industry veterans on our team gives Dunlop a tremendous advantage with our customers,” Sameski emphasized. “The industry knows and trusts these men for their insight into the business and their integrity in dealing with people.”

Ken Daiss added, “I am truly excited about this transition and the energy of the new team that will move this company forward. We are financially and strategically positioned to advance our North American business units—including our U.S. and Canadian-based business portfolios."

“Dunlop tennis has become synonymous with tennis legend John McEnroe and Dunlop squash with world-champion Jonathon Power, while John Daly and Dunlop’s LoCo brand of golf balls and golf clubs continue to win solid fan loyalty throughout the world of golf,” Sameski concluded.

Dunlop hopes to regain marketing ground this winter, so as to reverse any dips in market share that may have occurred due to the undertainty of supply of racquets and squash balls. The double-yellow dot squash ball shortage has been particularly problematic in October and November, which has given a small window of opportunity for Prince and Wilson to get squash players to try their rival double-yellow dot ball offerings.