Putting in place a smooth leadership transition, Balega founders Tanya and Bert Pictor will be stepping away from the day-to-day business effective June 30, 2021 to make way for the next chapter of Balega under new leadership. Tanya and Bert have guided Balega since its inception in 2003.
As part of the succession plan currently in process, Jenna Campbell has been tapped to lead the Performance Hosiery Category and the Balega brand as VP–category and brand development for Performance Hosiery, reporting to Ryan Cruthirds, chief global brand and category development executive.
Campbell previously held leadership roles at Adidas and Merrell. Prior to assuming her new VP role with Balega, Campbell served as a consultant with clients in various industries from healthcare and wellness, lifestyle, sporting goods, outdoor and private equity, partnering with executive leadership teams to transform internal cultures and create holistic business models that look at the entirety and scalability of all facets of the business. Campbell brings more than 20 years of experience in brand building, business development, marketing strategy and operations to the Balega brand.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jenna to the Balega family,” says Tanya Pictor, founder and VP of Balega Marketing. “Jenna is an outstanding addition to the new Balega leadership team, bringing immense experience in apparel and footwear.”
“I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with such a purpose-driven brand and team,” says Campbell. “I’m excited to bring my passion, determination and expertise in footwear and apparel to help propel the brand forward while maintaining the brand’s legacy as the leading performance sock brand in the run specialty market.”
Paul Perrone, who has worked with Balega for the past 14 years will continue to lead the sales efforts for Balega in the Independent Channel as director of independent retail.
Positioning Balega as the leading performance sock brand in the run specialty market has been a career-long goal and achievement for founders Tanya and Bert Pictor. Balega has established a dedicated relationship with the run specialty market, demonstrated by the brand’s support of The Running Event, annual Ubuntu Awards presented to running stores that excel in community service and involvement, and the continued support of and partnerships with run specialty retailers.