Aggregate industry results slowed in the second quarter, with profits increasing 4% to $2,722 million from $2,627 million against a 5% gain last year and revenues that climbed just 4% to $43,012 million from $41,551 million, lapping a 9% improvement last year.

The 10-year company veteran will take over as global brand president of Merrell, WWW’s largest brand, succeeding Sue Rechner, who is leaving after two years in the post.

Adjusted sales for sporting goods/hobby/book and music stores posted a gain for the first time in 21 months with a 2% improvement in August to $6,576 million from $6,438 million, according to Commerce Dept. data.