Fast-growing premium sports brand Castore has announced the appointment of Danny Downs “to lead the company’s commercial operations as it strengthens its senior executive team”.

Downs brings 15 years of experience from his time at Fanatics International where he was head of commercial development and the company’s first general manager. 

His expertise takes in international operations at the sports and fan apparel brand’s e-commerce business. Castore said that in his previous post he “delivered strong growth for the brand despite difficult market headwinds during his leadership tenure, after progressing through Fanatics International’s business and commercial development, licensing and legal services teams”.

Downs also “built partnerships and held relationships with major sports clubs and leagues” during his time at the provider of licensed sports merchandise and global digital sports platform, and “will utilise his skillset in e-commerce, data-led solutions, retail and manufacturing to propel Castore’s next chapter of expansion”.

Tom Beahon, co-founder and co-CEO of his new employer said he’ll “play a crucial role in how Castore develops and we’re excited to have him here as a high-performing executive aligned with our pursuit to relentlessly improve. He brings a wealth of sporting and commercial knowledge from his time at Fanatics International and past legal career, as well as a passion for fan engagement.”