By JAMES ACHENBACH
Senior WriterIndustry veteran Pete Sanchez has resigned as president and chief operating officer of shaft manufacturer Fujikura Composites and has accepted a position as vice president of business development for TaylorMade Golf.
Beginning May 6, his responsibilities will include managing several TaylorMade facilities, including “The Kingdom,” a research and test center at TaylorMade headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif., a similar operation at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga., and a new German test site. He also will manage licensees of TaylorMade’s elaborate MATT club-fitting system.
Sanchez, who informed Fujikura employees of his resignation April 17, said: “Fujikura is in great shape, so I have a good feeling about this.”
Under Sanchez’s tenure, Fujikura became a leading supplier to many major equipment manufacturers, offering its own branded shafts as well as creating shafts exclusively for its clients’ products. Fujikura has enjoyed a seven-year run as the No. 1 shaft brand for drivers and all woods on the PGA Tour.
Dave Schneider, Fujikura’s director of sales and products, will take over for Sanchez.
Although he will be a new employee at TaylorMade, Sanchez should settle in quickly.
“I have known all the people at TaylorMade for a long time,” he said, “and it feels like family already. I can’t wait to get started.”
• • •
James Achenbach is a
Golfweek senior writer. To reach him e-mail
jachenbach@golfweek.com.
Posted: 4/17/2008
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