Anta brand CEO Xu Yang has stepped down for family reasons, and Anta Sports has named its co-CEO Lai Shixian as interim CEO of the flagship brand.

According to a company statement cited by WWD, Xu will remain with Anta Group in a different role, while Lai assumes leadership of the Anta brand with immediate effect.

Xu rejoined Anta in early 2023 after serving as GM of Arc’teryx Greater China, bringing extensive experience in brand building and premium retail.

During his tenure, Anta Sports Products continued to advance its international expansion strategy. Earlier this month, the company acquired a 29.06 per cent stake in Puma from the Pinault family for €1.5 billion (US$1.8 billion), becoming the German sportswear company’s largest shareholder.

The brand also opened its first US flagship in Beverly Hills in February.

On the product front, Anta continued to strengthen its performance offering with the launch of racing footwear featuring its proprietary Anta Nitrogen Tech platform. 

The brand has also expanded its global profile through endorsement partnerships with NBA stars Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, alongside several Olympic champions.