Reebok Official Resigns, Units Combined

Reebok International Ltd. has combined its domestic and international Reebok divisions, and the president of the U.S. operation has announced his resignation.

Frank O’Connell, who was president of the U.S. division the past two years, said he was departing the athletic-shoe company “with positive feelings.”

“It was a situation where I didn’t see the opportunity to exercise my leadership skills,” O’Connell, 46, said in a phone interview. “I don’t want to stay unless I could really run it.”

Paul Fireman, chairman and chief executive of Reebok, said in a statement that John Duerden will be president of the combined, global business.

Duerden, 49, was previously president of the international division.

Combining the two divisions “is the most effective way to maximize the global opportunities for the Reebok brand,” Fireman said, adding that Duerden’s experience will help the company focus on worldwide sales.

Under the new structure, Duerden will report directly to Fireman, as will the presidents of other company divisions, such as Avia and Rockport shoes and Boston Whaler boats.