If you’re a runner, your New Year’s resolution may be to run a little longer, pick up your pace or enter more running events in the new year. But if you’re a running company, you may aim to start the year with fresh leadership talent who can further enhance corporate growth and development. That’s what Brooks Sports, Inc. put on its 2007 resolution list, achieving its goal by announcing today that Executive Vice President and COO David Bohan and Vice President of Human Resources Sydney Johnson-Gorrell have joined its executive team.

Bohan is responsible for directing Brooks’ global finance, operations and sales. He brings vast experience in developing and implementing financial strategies, growth plans, and reporting and control systems. Bohan first joined Brooks in June 2001 but left the company in 2005 to help grow Seattle-based sportsman gear company C.C. Filson as COO/CFO. Prior to 2001, he was CFO of edge2net Inc., a Kirkland, Wash.-based telecommunications company. He also held a variety of financial and general management positions at AT&T Wireless, formerly McCaw Cellular Communications Inc. Bohan received a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“Coming off of another record year at Brooks, it is with great pleasure that we begin 2007 by welcoming David back to the company,” said Brooks President and CEO Jim Weber. “He will once again add critical talent horsepower to our leadership team to help strengthen our foundations and stay on a winning course.”

“It’s wonderful to be back at Brooks,” said Bohan. “The company’s great people, award winning product and exciting growth potential made my decision to return effortless.”

Johnson-Gorrell is responsible for Brooks’ human resources activities including recruitment, compensation and benefits, as well as succession planning, training and culture-driven programs. She comes to Brooks with a great track record as a senior level human resources professional with a focus on people development and creating and nurturing winning company cultures. Her career includes vice president of human resources at Shurgard Self Storage, a $500 million dollar company with 650 stores; senior vice president of human resources at Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast; and vice president of human resources at Oberto Sausage Company. With a master’s degree in human resources management, Johnson-Gorrell is also a Certified Executive Coach.

“Sydney brings to Brooks proven change management skills, rooted in effective employee communication,” continued Weber. “She’s undeniably passionate about people development and fostering an environment that breeds personal and corporate success. She is a fantastic addition to our team.”

Both Bohan and Johnson-Gorrell assume their new posts at Brooks’ corporate headquarters in Bothell, Wash., a suburb of Seattle.

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 people to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther and faster. Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information