Stefano Saccone’s appointment as President of Peak Performance in April 2025 ushers in a new era for the iconic Swedish outdoor brand, reinforcing its global ambitions just as it cements its position as a leader in technical performance apparel and modern active lifestyle. With an extensive background at globally renowned brands and a talent for omni-channel transformation, Saccone is geared to “accelerate Peak Performance for long-term success in both its home markets and internationally,”
Career Background and Vision
Stefano Saccone brings more than two decades of expertise to Peak Performance, having served as CEO of Woolrich and holding senior leadership roles at VF Corporation, Nike, and Ralph Lauren. He is recognized for his strategic insights into global brand building, digital transformation, and retail innovation—qualities that positioned him as a natural successor to Sara Molnar, who transformed Peak Performance from a B2B-centric label to a direct-to-consumer premium powerhouse in her nine years at the helm
Saccone’s philosophy is rooted in the values of sport—“performance, dedication, teamwork, perseverance, and importantly humility”—which he believes are vital in fostering a thriving brand culture and community. In his first official statement, Saccone noted, “Participating in individual and/or collective sports is a privilege we should never take for granted.”
Transformation and Brand Progression
Peak Performance has seen robust growth in recent years, particularly under Molnar, who oversaw the transition to a DTC (direct-to-consumer) business model, expanded the brand beyond Europe, refined its expression, and re-established its premium aura. The U.S. market entered Peak Performance’s radar in late 2024, with retail and digital launches capturing a new audience and boosting online revenues.
Financially, the brand’s top online store, peakperformance.com, generated $29 million in sales in 2024, with the overall business benefiting from international momentum and Amer Sports’ strong group results.
Strategic Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
Saccone’s vision is to further digitize the consumer experience and expand Peak Performance’s international footprint, especially across the U.S. and Asia. He is expected to harness Amer Sports’ innovation engine—leveraging synergies with Arc’teryx and Salomon—to enhance technical product development, sustainability, and omnichannel strategy.
Amer Sports leadership is clear-eyed about the future. “With Stefano’s leadership and experience, I am confident that Peak Performance can reach the next level,” stated Group CEO James Zheng.
Leadership and Culture
Saccone’s collaborative spirit is expected to energize the brand’s team-oriented and purpose-driven culture. As he recently shared, “I am passionate about brands that have strong values and put experience and community at the heart of what they do”.
He will report to Stuart Haselden, CEO of Arc’teryx and the Technical Apparel segment, and is based in Stockholm, further integrating Peak Performance into Amer Sports’ global leadership structure
Milestones and Recent Achievements
| Year | Milestone | Impact/Result |
| 2015–2024 | Sara Molnar leads DTC transformation | Repositioned Peak Performance as a premium, global brand |
| 2024 | U.S. market entry | Boost in digital and retail revenues |
| 2025 | Stefano Saccone appointed President | Begins a new chapter of growth and innovation |
| 2025 | $29M peakperformance.com sales | Acceleration of digital business |
Summary and Outlook
With a clear trajectory and a collaborative, values-driven leader in Stefano Saccone, Peak Performance is poised to capitalize on the surging demand for premium technical outdoor apparel. As part of the Amer Sports stable, and with 2025 ushering in Saccone’s tenure, the brand is ready to unlock new international markets and take its legacy of innovation, performance, and community engagement to the next stage.
