ASICS America - Running Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories

ASICS America Announces New CEO

Irvine, CA (March 27, 2008) - ASICS America Corporation welcomes new CEO and Chairman Nobuo Oda. Previously with ASICS Corporation in Kobe, Japan as a Board member and General Manager of the Sports Apparel Division, Oda will take on his new duties beginning April 1, 2008 in the U.S. headquarters in Irvine, Calif.

Oda comes to the U.S. with over 40 years of experience within ASICS Corporation. He began his career in 1967 when he joined Onitsuka Co., Ltd. in Kobe, Japan. He has worked on several partnership/license agreements including L.A. Gear and Harley-Davidson Co.

Oda will replace current CEO and Chairman, Seiho Gohashi who will move back to his native country and take on a new executive position as Senior General Manager of Asia Pacific Region, which encompasses numerous countries including Korea, China, Australia and New Zealand.

"I hope to continue the success that Seiho Gohashi leaves behind in the U.S.," says Nobuo Oda. "My primary goal will be to further enhance the running category while also strengthening the apparel division. ASICS has a long legacy as a key player in the footwear running market and we strive to build our apparel program to the same level."

Seiho Gohashi began his roll in April 2005 and quickly made strides to take full advantage of the growing performance running market. His goal during the term in the U.S. was called the "5-5-5 Plan" which he quickly announced during his introductory speech to the company in June 2005. The plan for ASICS America would be $500 million in revenue, $50 million in operating profit, within five years.

Gohashi leaves the U.S. with an incredible track record. ASICS America sales were $223 million year end 2004 and quickly rose to $302 million in 2005, followed by $380 million in 2006 and an estimated more than $400 million in 2007 (numbers to be released March 31, 2008).

"I know I speak on behalf of the entire ASICS family in wishing Seiho the best of luck in his new position and that he will be greatly missed," says Rich Bourne, President and COO, ASICS America Corporation.

ASICS® Corporation, with more than 50 years of footwear manufacturing experience, offers a full line of performance-driven athletic shoes and technical active sports apparel and accessories. For more information, please visit www.asics.com.