(Yicai Global) Jan. 19 -- Anta Chief Executive Ding Shizhong has stepped down from the role as the Chinese sportswear titan carries out the biggest revamp of its executive level managers in 16 years.

Ding, the 52-year-old son of founder Ding Hemu, will remain as Anta’s chairman to directly manage its internal audit, oversight, and mergers and acquisitions, the Jinjiang-based firm said yesterday. Lai Shixian and Wu Yonghua will take over as joint CEOs on Feb. 1, when the changes become effective.

Lai, 48, will oversee the Anta and other brands except FILA, group procurement, human resources, legal affairs, investor relations and administrative functions. The outgoing chief financial officer, who is also Ding’s brother-in-law, joined Anta in 2003. They led the firm’s Hong Kong listing in 2007 and Lai also took part in and led major acquisitions.

Wu stepped down as CEO of Professional Sports Group to oversee FILA as well as retail channel management and public relations. According to Anta’s official website, Wu joined in 2003 and has more than 20 years’ experience in sales and marketing.

Anta’s stock price [HKG: 2020] ended little changed today at HKD116.50 (USD14.88).

Ding’s brother Ding Shijia, 58, will continue to manage the group’s production, but will no longer be responsible for supply chain management. Bi Mingwei will replace Lai as CFO and retain his position as vice president.

Zheng Jie, former group president and CEO of Outdoor Sports Brands, will remain as executive director and serve as CEO of Amerfen, the parent company of outdoor brand Arc’teryx, mainly responsible for its various businesses. Ding Shizhong is also chairman of the board of directors of Amerfen.

Editor: Peter Thomas