Tolentino, Italy – July 24, 2025 – arena, a global leader in performance swimwear, is proud to announce the appointment of Mark Pinger as its new Chief Brand Officer, effective October 1, 2025.
With a deep understanding of the sport and a strong strategic vision for brand growth, Mark is uniquely positioned to lead arena’s global "Planet Water" brand initiatives. In his new role, he will oversee Product Development, License Management, Brand-, and Sports- Marketing, working closely with teams across all markets to further strengthen the brand’s presence in the Racing, Fitness Swimming, and Beachwear segments. After a successful career at McKinsey and Nike, Mark joined arena in 2016 as General Manager for the US market. Under his leadership, arena North America has consistently delivered significant year-over-year business growth.
“Mark’s journey from Olympic swimmer to brand builder is a powerful reflection of his deep passion for the sport and specially for arena, the brand he worn as a member of the German National swim team - said Peter Graschi, CEO of arena - I’m thrilled to have Mark leading our global product and brand organization.”.
“arena is an iconic swimwear brand with a legacy of innovation, performance, and design excellence,” said Mark Pinger. “Over the years, it has built a vibrant community of both elite athletes and everyday water enthusiasts who experience the power of water in diverse and personal ways. Every day, we see how water connects people and how deep the passion for swimming truly runs. Joining the global team at this pivotal time is incredibly energizing. I believe there’s a tremendous opportunity ahead to push boundaries, expand our cultural relevance, and engage with a broader audience worldwide. At the core of our strategy will be innovation, design, and compelling brand storytelling.”
A former Olympic swimmer, Mark brings a unique combination of elite athletic insight and proven business leadership to his new role. In line with his appointment, Mark will relocate to arena’s global headquarters in Tolentino, Italy, where he will be part of the executive leadership team.
About arena: Since 1973 arena has revolutionized the world of water sports through intense collaboration with world-class athletes and the development of cutting-edge competition swimsuits. Today, this spirit of collaboration and innovation lives on through the continuous development of advanced materials and Italian design that improves the performance, style and expression of all those who choose arena. From racing in the swimming lanes to living in style, arena is dedicated to providing all swimmers with the tools they need to express themselves, feel confident, win and achieve more.
