The Athlete’s Foot (TAF) has promoted Matt Lafone to Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Lafone previously served as president and general manager of the Americas,. This move marks TAF’s commitment to a unified global vision while continuing to prioritize the needs of local markets worldwide.
Since joining TAF in 2021, Lafone has driven strong results, including a 45 percent increase in regional revenue—contributing $272.1 million to the 2024 overall performance. Under his leadership, the Americas region helped propel TAF’s global sales by 10 percent, reaching $554 million.
“It’s a true privilege to take on this role and continue the journey with The Athlete’s Foot,” states Lafone. “I’m inspired every day by the passion of our teams, the strength of our brand, and the trust of our partners around the world. As we look ahead, my focus is on deepening our connections, pushing innovation, and bringing greater alignment to how we show up across markets. Together, we have an incredible opportunity to shape what’s next for TAF—and I’m ready to get to work.”
That work includes the soon-to-be-launched TAF Global Center of Excellence at the company’s Atlanta headquarters, which will support DTC channels and franchise partners globally, driving innovation and optimizing operational efficiencies. The new center, located in the same space as the recently opened Flagship location on the Atlanta Beltline, will focus on enhancing brand management, global merchandising, planning, marketing, finance, and store operations. It will also play a pivotal role in driving ecommerce strategy and content creation, acting as a support center for international franchise partners. TAF aims to optimize procurement processes and strengthen financial management, all while maintaining a cohesive and unified global strategy.
“We are incredibly excited to have Matt at the helm of TAF’s global operations,” states Param Singh, owner and chairman of Arklyz Group, TAF’s parent company. “His deep understanding of the business, combined with his strategic vision, will be instrumental in driving TAF’s continued growth and success. As we work to further solidify TAF’s position as a leader in the industry, Matt’s leadership will be key in guiding the business through the evolving global market.”
Matt Lafone, CEO, The Athlete’s Foot
Photo credit: Business Wirew
