sportFACHHANDEL 02_2018 Leseprobe

164 | MIXED | Interview 2.2018
The future: Carsten Unbehaun
leaves Asics and joins the
Outdoor brand Haglöfs.
NO MATTER IF ASICS OR HAGLÖFS
“
There is no way around
specialist retail”
After more than 15 years, Carsten Unbehaun, Asics, exchanges the running shoes for outdoor boots and
intends to advance the development of Haglöfs. Which goals does the passionate runner pursue in this case
and whether he is already shedding a tear for the running sector, are explained in an exclusive interview with
sportFACHHANDEL.
Interview: Marcel Rotzoll
sportFACHHANDEL: Mister Unbehaun are you
already feeling any melancholy for putting the running
sports business behind you?
Carsten Unbehaun: No, I am not. After all, I remain
a member of the European Board of Asics. After 15
years, it was time for me to venture the next step.
That’s why I’m rather looking forward to the new task
as Haglöfs’ CEO which is also a personal challenge for
me. Of course, I’m intrigued by the global responsibility
as well as the responsibility for the brand Haglöfs.
As you took over Asics Germany from Dieter Bauer
more than ten years ago, Asics was already the market
leader in many areas such as running and handball or
volley ball shoes. Nevertheless, the brand was often
only known by experts. Today, you can surely no longer
count Asics as one of the hidden champions, isn’t it?
That’s true. I am certainly not displeased with the
development we have gone through over the past
years. We have fought hard battles – not only with
competitors. Asics has emerged stronger from them.
Furthermore, we’ve been able to grow very successfully
in the fields of clothes, sneakers and tennis,
apart from the core segments you mentioned.
Has Asics meanwhile become a clothing brand, too?
We are certainly not yet where we want to get, but
we’re on the right path. Over the last years, we have
seen a positive development in the running segment
in particular.
© ASICS, HAGLÖFS