The Canadian Sporting Goods Association (CSGA) has named Jon Irwin as its new president and CEO, effective July 1. Irwin's appointment came after a search to replace Julian Savory, who is retiring after eight years of rebuilding the association in order to spend more time with his family and community on the west coast.

Irwin joins the CSGA as the industry emerges from the COVID pandemic and embraces a rapidly accelerated united digital world. He brings his passion for the sporting goods industry and leadership experience to lead the association in its future plans to provide new products and services of value to its stakeholders. Irwin will report directly to the CSGA Board of Directors.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Jon take on the leadership of the CSGA during a very transformative time for the sporting goods industry," says Brad Hause, CSGA chairman of the Board of Directors and president of Sports Distributors of Canada (SDC).  "The impact of COVID both now and into the foreseeable future is going to be a test for all.  Now, more than ever, the industry is going to be looking to the CSGA as we navigate this path together.”

“I could not be more grateful and excited to accept the position of President and CEO of the CSGA. The association is poised to further develop its vision and build on the momentum that Julian has created over the past 8 years,” Irwin says. “The impact on sporting goods and retail has been significant during the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s an important time for the sporting goods industry to focus on our community. I look forward to working with our Board of Directors, our corporate partners and most of all our members to maintain, create and grow the sporting goods industry.”

The CSGA is a Canadian not-for-profit corporation that represents the businesses involved in Canada’s sporting goods industry to its stakeholders nationally and internationally.