Paul Zacks joins global brands group as general manager of South African office

Press release

Former Canterbury International SA Chief Executive takes helm as company gears up for the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa

Johannesburg, 24 January 2008, Global Brands Group, the world’s leading independent, international brand management, retail and licensing company, today announced that Paul Zacks will lead the South African office as General Manager. In this capacity, Zacks will be responsible for building Global Brands Group’s business, and expanding their licensing activity across the company’s brand portfolio by working closely with retailers and manufacturers.

“We are very pleased to have Paul at the helm of the South African office,” said Simon Hawkins, Senior Vice President, Licensing and Sales, EMEA, Global Brands Group. “As we gear up for the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Paul’s leadership, marketing and licensing expertise will play an integral role in the success of our branding initiatives for the most recognised and anticipated sporting events in the world.”

Zacks brings expertise in sports branding as well as 12 years of senior and general management experience to his new role with Global Brands Group. Most recently, as managing director for Canterbury International SA, Zacks worked to grow the CCC brand in South Africa from a little-known rugby label into a widely recognised and highly respected sports and lifestyle brand. Moreover, in just four years at the helm, Zacks tripled the company’s sales force, quadrupled its turnover and increased the sales of certain CCC product categories by between 3,000 and 13,233 percent.

In addition, Zacks introduced the performance underwear category to South African retailers and consumers, establishing the CCC Baselayer brand as the leading choice for rugby players at all levels of the game throughout the country. Prior to his work with Canterbury , Zacks held a number of senior positions with the Appleton Group Limited including Chief Operating Officer – Investment Services and Financial Director prior to that.

Zacks holds two honours degrees, including a Bachelor of Business Science degree in business finance from the University of Cape Town , as well as a Bachelor of Accounting Science in accounting, tax and auditing from the University of South Africa . In addition, Zacks earned a post-graduate diploma in financial planning and is currently studying for an Executive Masters of Business Administration.

In 2005, FIFA entered into a long-term agreement with Global Brands Group appointing the company as both its worldwide exclusive licensing representative and store operator for FIFA branded retail destinations for 2007 to 2014. Additionally Global Brands Group will act as the on-site concessionaire for all FIFA events throughout the term.

About Global Brands Group

Global Brands Group is the world’s leading independent, international brand management, retail and licensing company. Global Brands Group’s passion for managing brands is tied to its desire to building sustainable equity and creating new branding opportunities through geographic expansion, category extension and retail innovation. Through its international network of offices across six continents, Global Brands Group maximises revenue potential by creating manufacturing, retail and distribution partnerships worldwide.

Global Brands Group’s business is focused on three areas: product licensing and merchandising; retail concept and development; and food and beverage development, packaging and distribution. Currently Global Brands Group’s growing portfolio of intellectual properties includes brands created by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Walt Disney Company (Asia Pacific) Ltd., the PGA TOUR Licensed Properties, Inc. (PGA TOUR), Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA), Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Marvel Characters, Inc., among others.

For more information, visit www.globalbrandsgroup.com.