Jack Wolfskin appoints Matthew Jung as General Manager China

Effective February 9, 2022, Jack Wolfskin, a global leader in sustainable performance apparel, footwear and gear, has appointed Matthew Jung (48) as its new General Manager China. In this role, Jung, an American who has held senior positions in the Asia-Pacific market for nearly 25 years, will be responsible for implementing the company's new strategic brand direction with the claim "We Live to Discover" and developing Jack Wolfskin's omnichannel strategy in China.

 

Jack Wolfskin has been present in the Chinese outdoor market since 2008, which has become one of the brand's most important sales regions. Jung will continue to expand the organization's business and drive further growth, reporting to Jack Wolfskin CEO Richard Collier. In his new role, Jung succeeds Karen Chang, who will leave the company in March 2022.

"With his extensive experience in the sporting goods industry in Asia Pacific, Matthew Jung has a deep understanding of the Chinese market," said Joe Flannery, executive vice president, Apparel and Soft Goods at Callaway Golf, parent company of Jack Wolfskin. "He has a compelling track record and valuable experience leading international teams and successfully positioning global brands in Asia."

"We have high expectations for this market and are confident that Matthew Jung will help Jack Wolfskin reach its potential by building on the momentum Karen Chang has created for the brand over the past few years. For that, we congratulate her and wish her continued success."

"We have found Jung to be a very dynamic and results-oriented manager," Collier said. "His leadership style will not only help drive sales and brand awareness, but will also help drive Jack Wolfskin's outdoor engagement, sustainability and education initiatives to inspire everyone to make discoveries through outdoor experiences."

Jung most recently worked for the Converse brand in Asia since 2016, the last two and a half years as Vice President/General Manager for Converse Asia Pacific. During that time, he and his team of more than 250 employees doubled the brand's business in the region, making it number three in the brand popularity category behind market leaders adidas and Nike. Prior to that, he spent six years as senior brand director at Nike Greater China and marketing director at Nike Taiwan. Jung has lived in Asia since 1997, including Hong Kong, Taipei and Shanghai. He studied English and Asian studies at Loyola University Chicago. Jung is married and has three children.

"Consumers in China are turning to the outdoor lifestyle at an unprecedented pace and scale," Jung said. "It's just the right time for a brand as authentic as Jack Wolfskin to take a pioneering role in this market, as the company has stood for industry-leading innovation, performance, transparency and sustainability for 40 years. I feel privileged to be part of such a passionate and talented team around the world and to anchor such a strong brand in China."