ASGA welcomes Liam Robson and Sven Karlsson as new Board Directors

The Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA) has appointed two new Board Directors from across the wholesale and retail sides of Australia’s sporting goods and active lifestyle industry.

Liam Robson, Executive General Manager, Accent Brands (Accent Group Limited), and Sven Karlsson, General Manager, SportsPower and Toyworld Australia, Associated Retailers Limited (ARL), were appointed at ASGA’s October [JA1.1]Board meeting. Liam joins the Board as Wholesale Director and Sven as Retail Director.

Liam has more than two decades in the industry. He began with Rowe & Jarman Sports in South Australia in 2002 and went on to roles with Adidas, Puma and Salomon before joining ASX-listed Accent Group in 2018. He now leads global brands including HOKA, Saucony, Merrell and Vans across the Pacific.

Sven brings more than 20 years’ experience across sporting goods and retail, including senior leadership roles with Adidas, INTERSPORT Australia and ARL, one of Australia’s largest independent retail buying groups. His expertise spans buying, brand strategy, retail operations, eCommerce and member-based retail networks.

ASGA President Daniel Vukadinovic said, “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Liam and Sven. Having both brand and retail leadership around the Board table ensures we remain a true reflection of our members, and these appointments further strengthen that balance.”

“Our new Directors bring more than four decades of combined industry experience,” said ASGA Executive Director Shaun Bajada. “That expertise will be invaluable as ASGA continues to strengthen industry collaboration, deliver meaningful market insights, advocate on government policy and expand national sustainability initiatives.”

Liam Robson said, “It’s a privilege to join the ASGA Board and have the opportunity to contribute to an industry I care deeply about. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and perspective to the Board and working together to drive positive outcomes for our members.”

“I’m really pleased to be joining the ASGA Board,” said Sven Karlsson. “I’ve spent most of my career in the sporting goods industry, working with some great brands and independent retailers. It’s an industry I’m passionate about, and I hope I can add value in tackling the challenges we all face and help the industry continue to grow. I’m looking forward to getting involved, sharing my experience and supporting ASGA to make a positive difference for its members and the broader sporting community.”