Jack Wolfskin Appoints Matthew Jung As General Manager China
Effective February 9, 2022, Jack Wolfskin has appointed Matthew Jung (48) as its new General Manager China. In this role, Jung, an American who has served in executive roles in the Asian Pacific market for nearly 25 years, will be responsible for implementing the company’s new strategic brand direction driven by the mantra “We Live to Discover” and developing Jack Wolfskin's omnichannel strategy in China.
Jack Wolfskin has sold into the Chinese outdoor market since 2008 and it has grown to become one of the brand’s most significant sales regions. Jung will continue to further develop the organization’s operations and drive further growth while reporting to Jack Wolfskin CEO Richard Collier. In his new role, Jung succeeds Karen Chang, who will leave the company in March 2022.
“With many years of experience in the sporting goods industry in the Asia Pacific region, Matthew has a deep understanding of the Chinese market,” said Joe Flannery, executive vice president, Apparel and Soft Goods at Callaway Golf, Jack Wolfskin’s parent company. “He has a strong track record and invaluable experience in leading international teams and successfully positioning global brands in Asia.
“We have high expectations for this market and are confident that Matthew will help Jack Wolfskin achieve its potential by building on the momentum that Karen produced for the brand over the past several years. We commend her and wish her continued success."
“We have come to know Matthew as a very dynamic and results-oriented manager,” Collier said. “His leadership style will not only help drive sales and brand awareness but advance Jack Wolfskin’s initiatives around outdoor advocacy, sustainability and education to inspire all to seek discovery 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. During that time, he and his team of more than 250 employees doubled the brand's business in the region, while also achieving the number three Brand Love positioning behind market leaders adidas and Nike. Prior to that, he spent six years as a 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 shifting toward the outdoor lifestyle at unprecedented speed and scale,” Jung said. “The timing for such an authentic brand like Jack Wolfskin to take a leadership position in this sector based on the company’s 40 years of delivering industry-defining innovation, performance, approachability and sustainability. I regard it as a privilege to join such a passionate and talented team across the world and anchoring such a great brand in China.”
