RCG Corporation has appointed Daniel Agostinelli as co-ceo of the company and Ant Hudson as the CEO of The Athlete’s Foot, also confirming today the departure of Michael Cooper as TAF CEO and CEO of RCG Retail.

In an announcement made this morning, RCG said Cooper leaves after 29 years with The Athlete’s Foot, including the last 14 as CEO and six years as CEO of RCG Retail which includes the Merrell Retail and Podium Sports businesses. He is also resigning as an executive director of the corporation.

RCG said “this decision will allow Michael to further leverage his skills, experience and capability in a way which he has been unable to do within the new operating structure of the combined group.”

Following Cooper’s impending departure, Ant Hudson, TAF’s national sales and operations manager has been promoted to the role of CEO of the footwear chain.

Hudson over 25 years’ retail experience across a number of retail formats across Australia , UK, the Middle East and South Africa, including five years at Luxottica initially as VP of optical operations and then as COO.

Agostinelli’s appointment as co-CEO is with immediate effect and “has the full backing and support of CEO Hilton Brett.”

RCG said following the acquisition of Accent Group 18 months ago, the two have formed a strong partnership. “Their strong complimentary skill sets, shared values and ethics provide the group with the leadership and skills to manage, integrate and continue to drive growth across the entire business.”

The group CEO role will be split, with Agostinelli overseeing the Accent Group and taking a “more active role across all of the group’s retail operating businesses,” with Hudson to receive leadership and support by both CEOs.

Agostinelli will also overlook property functions for the group which RCG said it is consolidating to streamline operations for its 350 stores.

Brett’s day to day responsibilities will be focused on the “functional responsibilities of TAF, the RCG Brands wholesale business, Group multichannel and CRM, investment community, acquisitions and group strategy.”

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