Brooks Sports Hires Michelle Ave as Apparel Team Leader

Brooks Sports announced on July 16 that they had appointed Michelle Ave to the position of Apparel Team Leader. Ave is a top industry veteran, who recently revitalized the Reebok running line. A graduate of Villanova in 1989, Ave spent much of the next decade developing as a world class 800 meter and 1,500 meter runner ( 1:59.86 in 1996 and 4:09.67 in 1993).
MIchelle is well liked by her peers and past teams. Ave brings her experience in two decades of competition, her keen eye for detail, her understanding of her consumer and her overwhelming enthusiasm for the sport to bear on her designs and products.
When President JIm Weber of Brooks noted that they have a real find with Michelle Ave, he was making an understatement. Ave is one of the best and her addition to Brooks, along with Fritz Taylor, continues to show that the footwear company that brought us the Trance is dialed in on performance running footwear and apparel!

Brooks Sports® Appoints Avé as New Apparel Team Leader
Former Elite Athlete and Product Ace Fortifies Leading Running Company
Bothell, Wash. – July 16, 2008 – Brooks Sports, Inc., a leading running company headquartered in Bothell, Wash., today announces the addition of Michelle Avé to the management team as director of global apparel. Avé brings to Brooks proven success in the sports and fitness industry, a competitive elite runner’s mentality, and a deep love of running.
Strengthening the existing apparel team, Avé’s main responsibilities will be to lead strategic development, business planning, line architecture, and product creation for Brooks’ performance running apparel and accessories globally. Avé and her team will research, plan, develop, test, and merchandise Brooks’ apparel with the continued goal of delivering product excellence.
“I’ve admired Brooks as a brand for many years,” Avé said. “It has been my dream to be part of a company that shares my passion and drive for both athletics and business success. Brooks holds a strong belief in its vision, is committed to strategically staying the course, and has the ability to connect with runners in the marketplace unlike other brands.”
Prior to joining Brooks, Avé held various positions at Reebok, Int., where she helped ground the brand in running and technical apparel. Most recently, she served as senior global apparel product manager for running. While fulfilling this role, her accomplishments resulted in exceeding strategic business planned growth globally by introducing new technologies and opening new channels of distribution in a highly competitive global market.
“For continued brand growth, it’s critical we bring in the best talent in the industry, and we believe we’ve struck gold with Michelle,” said Jim Weber, president and CEO of Brooks. “With her industry knowledge, professional track record, and personal experiences as a runner, she will make a direct, positive, and immediate impact on Brooks’ future apparel lines.
As a competitive collegiate runner for Villanova University, Avé was honored as an eight-time All-American. After college, her running successes continued with highlights that include qualifying for four consecutive U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, in which she placed 5th in 1996; becoming a member of the U.S. World Championship Track and Field team in 1999; and ranking 24th in the world for the 800m in 1996. Avé’s passion for running has transferred over to a career in the running industry, where she can apply her knowledge and understanding to creating apparel solutions for every runner.
“We need to constantly challenge ourselves to uncover the hurdles runners face season after season,” said Avé. “At Brooks I look forward to delivering unique products that make every day a great day for a run.”
Avé holds a bachelor’s degree, with a focus on business and marketing, from Villanova and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Montana.
About Brooks
Brooks Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of performance footwear, apparel and accessories in more than 40 countries worldwide. A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Brooks was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Bothell, Wash., near Seattle. The company’s mission is to inspire everyone to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther and faster. Visit brooksrunning.com for more information.
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