Max Brownlee to Pursue New Venture
September 26, 2007
Boulder, CO –- Babolat, one of the leading manufacturers of tennis racquets, today announced that Max Brownlee, General Manager of Babolat North America, is leaving the company to pursue a new venture.
Max Brownlee joined Babolat in 2000 when the French tennis racquet manufacturer first launched its products in the U.S. During Brownlee’s tenure, Babolat’s market share of the tennis specialty retail market grew from 0% to over 16%. He oversaw the introduction of the Babolat Pure Drive racquet that would become the top-selling racquet at pro shops and tennis specialty stores for nearly three consecutive years. “It’s been a pleasure to be a part of something so special”, said Brownlee. “No tennis company has ever entered the U.S. market and achieved the success that Babolat has in such a short period of time. At this point in my career, I’m ready to take on a new challenge and look forward to the next chapter of my life”.
A well-known figure on the U.S. tennis scene, Brownlee has over thirty years of experience in the industry and was named Racquet Sports Industry’s “Person of the Year” in 2005, an award honoring people and organizations dedicated to improving the sport and business of tennis. Olivier Bailliard, President and CEO of Babolat North America, praised Brownlee’s contributions: “We can’t say enough about what Max has done for the company over the last seven years. His passion for the game and expertise in the industry will serve him well in his continued career. Babolat wishes him well.”
About Babolat
Founded in Lyon, France, in 1875, Babolat is the first company to have specialized in racquet sports and the world leader in the production of natural gut strings. Easily recognized by its trademark “double-line” (two stripes on the racquet frame and black on the stringing bed), Babolat is still family-owned. Today, with U.S. operations in Boulder, Colorado, the company also manufactures synthetic strings, shoes, full range of accessories for all racquet sports as well as a best-selling line of racquets used by 20% of the top 100 players in the ATP and WTA including Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick. To find out where Babolat products are sold, log on to babolat.com or call (877) 316-9435.