Intersport names former Go Sport boss Tom Foley as new CEO

Intersport International Corporation GmbH (Intersport) has appointed Tom Foley as its new CEO. He will take up his new position at the Bern-based sports retailer on July 1, Intersport has said. Foley will succeed Steve Evers, who stepped down at the end of 2024 after six successful years in charge.

Foley’s appointment marks the start of a new chapter for the Intersport group, which in a press release has reasserted its commitment to strategic growth in collaboration with its country organisations and brand partners.

Foley will contribute his experience in various highly competitive international markets, and an in-depth knowledge of the sporting goods sector, according to Intersport. He previously worked at French sporting goods retailer Go Sport, where he was recently named CEO and was in charge of the store fleet and of international franchisees.

Before that, Foley was at the helm of Go Sport in the Middle East, after a stint at leading French sneakers retailer Courir. He is also the founder of the Independent Sports Retailers Alliance of Ireland, which he led from September 2005 to January 2011.

This is not the first time that Foley has worked at Intersport, having been managing director of Intersport UK and Ireland for six years, until 2017.

“I am excited to return to Intersport and to be leading the group into its next phase of transformation and growth,” said Foley. “It will be a privilege to build on the rich and long-standing legacy of supporting and empowering our local entrepreneurs in the industry across our diverse international markets,” he added.

In his new role, Foley will need to focus on strengthening Intersport’s global organisation, improving operational efficiency and consolidating the group’s position as a “leading partner” for its strategic brands, according to the press release. He will also be responsible for developing Intersport’s own brands and spearheading the group’s overall transformation.

“[Intersport’s] management board is confident that Tom’s vision, leadership and strong collaborative mindset will bring new momentum and innovation to the Intersport group,” said Corinne Gensollen, president of Intersport International Corporation GmbH. “This marks an important new phase in Intersport’s strategic growth, as we work closely with our partners and country organisations to keep delivering real value to our customers in 42 different markets,” she added.

Foley’s appointment as CEO follows the publication of Intersport’s 2024 results, which saw the group increase its revenue despite adverse market conditions. Intersport’s global omnichannel revenue was €14 billion, up 2.1% over the previous year. As of the end of 2024, it operated 5,464 stores in 42 countries.