Riddell Unveils New Leadership Appointments and Executive Promotions
Riddell, a recognized leader in football helmet technology and sports protection innovation, recently announced significant advancements within its executive leadership team. The company has promoted Thad Ide to Chief Product Officer and Michael Oller to Executive Vice President of Revenue and Customer Experience. Both appointments became effective on January 1, marking a Unveils pivotal step under the guidance of Riddell’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, Allison Boersma.
Boersma, who previously served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Joining Ide and Oller on the leadership team is Aravind Kashyap, who assumed the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) last fall.
During their nearly 50 years of combined experience at the company, Thad and Michael have meaningfully contributed to Riddell’Unveils s significant growth and market leadership by leveraging their deep industry expertise, providing thoughtful counsel, and overseeing their functional areas and high-performing teams,” said Allison Boersma, President and Chief Executive Officer of Riddell Unveils. “Their passion for our business, pride in their work, and commitment to our customers are evident daily and make them invaluable to our leadership team as we move forward.
Thad Ide: A Visionary in Product Development
Thad Ide’s career spans decades of innovation and leadership in the sports equipment industry, with 26 years dedicated to Riddell. Known for his exceptional expertise in designing and developing headgear and body protection for contact sports, Ide has played a pivotal role in advancing Riddell’s product offerings. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Research & Product Development, where he led groundbreaking innovations,Unveils including the development of the Axiom helmet and Smart Helmet technologies like InSite Analytics. These advancements have revolutionized football by enhancing player safety and performance.
In his new role as Chief Product Officer, Ide will lead the development of Riddell’s next-generation helmet platform. Collaborating closely with customers and industry partners, he aims to further elevate the standards of safety, performance, and comfort in football headgear. Ide will oversee engineering, product marketing, and quality departments while also managing Simbex, a long-time development partner that Riddell acquired in 2023. His strategic vision is expected to drive continued innovation and strengthen Riddell’s position as an industry leader.
Michael Oller: Strengthening Revenue and Customer Experience
Michael Oller brings over 30 years of experience in the sporting goods and licensed products industries to his new role. Having joined Riddell in 2002, Oller has been instrumental in expanding the company’s consumer products business. His Unveils leadership has driven substantial growth through an enhanced collectible product offering and an increased focus on direct-to-consumer channels. These efforts have solidified Riddell’s presence as a dominant force in the collectibles and consumer products market.
In his previous role as Senior Vice President, Oller managed key partnerships, including Riddell’s long-standing relationship with the National Football League (NFL). He was a central figure in securing an extension agreement with the NFL through the 2030 season, further strengthening the company’s reputation and market reach.
As Executive Vice President of Revenue and Customer Experience, Oller now oversees institutional sales, InSite Analytics, and consumer products. His primary focus is enhancing customer experiences and addressing evolving needs through digital resources, e-commerce, and innovative sales programming. His leadership is expected to drive significant revenue growth while reinforcing Riddell’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Aravind Kashyap: Driving Digital Transformation
Aravind Kashyap, who joined Riddell in September 2024, brings a wealth of expertise as Chief Information Officer. With extensive experience in manufacturing, retail, distribution, and consumer goods, Kashyap has a proven track record of delivering advanced information management systems and optimizing IT infrastructures. His strategic approach focuses on leveraging technology to create competitive market advantages and improve operational efficiencies.
At Riddell Unveils, Kashyap is spearheading a digital transformation initiative aimed at streamlining operations and integrating customer feedback into the company’s processes. By aligning technology with customer needs, he is ensuring that Riddell remains at the forefront of innovation in the sports protection industry. Kashyap’s contributions are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the company’s digital capabilities and overall competitiveness.
A Unified Vision Under Allison Boersma’s Leadership
Allison Boersma, who stepped into the role of President and Chief Executive Officer in late 2023, has quickly established a clear vision for Riddell’s Unveils future. With a background in finance and operations, Boersma has demonstrated exceptional leadership in aligning the company’s strategic goals with its operational capabilities. Her focus on innovation, growth, and customer excellence is evident in the recent executive appointments and her emphasis on fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking culture.
“Riddell’s Unveils executive team is stronger than ever, and together, we are poised to further our legacy of innovation, continued growth, and excellence in serving our customers,” Boersma stated.
A Legacy of Innovation and Customer Commitment
Riddell’s Unveils recent leadership changes reflect its unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The company’s advancements in helmet technology, such as the Axiom and InSite Analytics, underscore its dedication to player safety and performance. By leveraging the expertise of its leadership team, Riddell is well-positioned to continue delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of athletes and teams at all levels.
The addition of Kashyap to the team highlights Riddell’s Unveils focus on digital transformation and operational excellence. His efforts to integrate customer feedback and enhance IT infrastructure will undoubtedly drive the company’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.
Meanwhile, the promotions of Ide and Oller reinforce Riddell’s strategy of leveraging internal talent to achieve its goals. Both leaders bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of the market, ensuring that Riddell remains a trusted name in sports protection.
As Riddell Unveils moves into 2025 and beyond, its leadership team is united in pursuing the company’s mission of advancing sports protection and innovation. By fostering a culture of collaboration, investing in cutting-edge technology, and prioritizing customer needs, Riddell is poised to maintain its leadership position in the industry. With Boersma at the helm and a strengthened executive team, the company is well-equipped to tackle future challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.
For more information about Riddell Unveils and its products, visit www.Riddell.com and follow @RiddellSports on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
