OXEN Sports are delighted to announce the appointment of Kevin Sinfield CBE as the brand’s first ever Running Director, strengthening a long-standing relationship between the two built around performance, purpose and a shared commitment to making a difference.
The appointment marks a major strategic step forward for OXEN as the brand continues to grow its running category, alongside its major club partnerships and rugby boots worn by leading athletes around the world. Sinfield is set to play an important role in product development, innovation and athlete insight across future ranges.
One of the most respected figures in British sport, Sinfield’s achievements as a player, coach, leader and fundraiser are widely recognised, but in recent years it has been his extraordinary work in support of those affected by Motor Neurone Disease that has inspired millions.
Through his remarkable 7 in 7 challenges, Sinfield and his team have raised huge awareness and millions of pounds for MND charities, inspired by his friendship with former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow. OXEN has proudly supported Kevin’s fundraising work for several years, with its own MND-linked activity helping to raise more than £300,000 for the cause.
That relationship will now move into a new phase, with Sinfield formally joining OXEN in a strategic role focused on the future of running product, ambassador work and encouraging athletes at any level to get out and move more.
As Running Director, Sinfield will work closely with OXEN’s product team, bringing first-hand insight from his own training, endurance challenges and marathon running experience. His focus will be on ensuring OXEN running products are developed with the needs of real runners in mind, from everyday athletes building consistency to marathon runners demanding comfort, durability and performance over long distances.
OXEN CEO Lee Jenkinson said: “Kevin has been part of the OXEN story for a long time, so to now welcome him as our first ever Running Director is a really proud moment for the business.
“This is another major strategic appointment for us. Kevin understands performance, he understands resilience and, importantly, he understands what everyday runners actually need from their kit. He has taken on some of the toughest running challenges imaginable, but he also represents the person who simply shows up, gets the miles in and keeps going.
“Our relationship with Kevin has always been about more than product. Through his MND fundraising work, he has inspired the country, and we are incredibly proud that OXEN has helped raise more than £300,000 in support of that cause. This next step allows us to build on that relationship and create running product that has real purpose behind it.
We feel with our other recent appointments at Director level we now have the leadership team to take OXEN to the next level around the world, and Kev will be a big part of that.”
Kevin Sinfield CBE said: “I’m really pleased to be taking on the role of Running Director with OXEN. I’ve had a strong relationship with the team for a number of years now and they’ve been brilliant supporters of our challenges and the MND community.
“Running has become a huge part of my life. Through the 7 in 7 challenges, training runs and marathons, I’ve learned a lot about what matters when you’re out on the road. Comfort, fit, reliability and feeling good in what you’re wearing all make a difference, whether you’re running your first 5K or preparing for a marathon.
“What excites me about this role is the chance to help shape product for everyday athletes. OXEN is a brand that listens, cares and wants to improve, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to develop running kit that supports people at every level.”
The appointment further reinforces OXEN’s commitment to building products that are engineered to inspire, combining technical development with authentic athlete insight and a deep understanding of the communities the brand serves.
Kevin has recorded an exclusive podcast, part of the new OXEN, Engineered to Inspire series which will drop soon. Make sure you’ve subscribed on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@OXENSports to get the notification when it goes live.
Or follow the Official OXEN Whatsapp channel for product teasers, early access links, special offers, exclusives, athlete insights & more - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb8NFBiISTkRXz3i3a1C.