PUMA CEO to address firm’s investment in Jamaica

Jochen Zeitz, executive chairman of athletics brand PUMA, will speak in Kingston next month on the company’s investment in brand Jamaica and the upcoming Olympic Games.

Puma sponsors the island's athletics team as well as world record holder Usain Bolt in a relationship earning millions of dollars for both sides.

He will address an event organized by Whisky Productions with the support of National Commercial Bank at the Wyndham Hotel, New Kingston on Friday, March 30.

Zeitz will discuss his long-term relationship between PUMA and Jamaica, the upcoming Olympics, environmental sustainability and the Zeitz Foundation.

"Jamaica is a very special place to me. Year after year I make sure to come for (Boys and Girls Athletic Championships) where extremely talented youth compete and future running stars are made," a press release quoted Zeitz as saying.

"And of course it is also a good excuse to enjoy the beauty of Jamaica and see old friends I have made over the years," he added.

PUMA has since 2002 sponsored the Jamaican Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA), the governing body for track and field events in Jamaica, as well as the Jamaican Olympic Association.

In August 2010, Olympic gold medalist Bolt renewed his contract with PUMA until the end of 2013.

While the specific terms of the contract remained undisclosed, the figure was said to be the largest ever given to a track and field athlete, positioning
Bolt as a top earner in the world of sport, according to PUMA.

Until the end of 2013, Bolt will play a pivotal role in PUMA’s global marketing campaigns.

PUMA and Bolt also partnered to launch, a range of apparel, footwear and accessories.

Zeitz is also CEO of the Sport & Lifestyle Division of PPR, a French multinational holding company of Luxury, Sport & Lifestyle brands.

He became chairman and CEO at PUMA some 18 years ago.

steven.jackson@gleanerjm.com