Westford, MA - PUMA North America announced a new partnership with long time professional runner Bob Kennedy. As part of this new relationship with PUMA, Bob Kennedy will serve as the Performance Running Advisor for the Complete Running division of PUMA, where he will help contribute to the category growth in all aspects including product, sales and marketing. Known as one of the most decorated American distance runners in recent history, Kennedy has decided to retire from the professional running world and work with PUMA to offer insight and expertise from his years of experience in competitive running and as a running specialty retailer to help build the Complete Running brand.

"Bob Kennedy is a true inspiration within the running community," said Jay Piccola, President and General Manager of PUMA North America. "It's an honor to have him represent PUMA and join our Complete Running team. His world-class running experience, athletic knowledge and on-the-ground involvement will help us evolve the division and take it to the next level."

As part of this three-year partnership, Kennedy will work closely with PUMA's product and sales team, providing feedback on key footwear, apparel and accessory styles. Kennedy will also take on an active role at retail, sales and consumer events and appearances across the country. He will also assist with marketing and public relations efforts to help grow the Complete Running division and represent the PUMA brand in all appearances.

"This is an exciting new time in my career as I work with PUMA and their Complete Running brand," said Bob Kennedy, the Performance Running Advisor for PUMA North America. "I will certainly miss the competitive aspect of running, but I'll now be able to pass along my expertise to others about high-quality, performance driven products that will help a runner during their competitive and everyday running experiences."

Known as a fierce competitor on the track, Bob is a well-respected athlete in the running community and holds several national titles. He has run alongside some of the world's most talented competitors in national and international events. Kennedy continues to hold American records in the 3000 and 5000 meter distances, as well as the two mile.

He made two Olympic appearances, in 1992 and 1996, with a 6th place finish in the 5000 meters in Atlanta. While in college at Indiana University, Bob held several NCAA cross country and long distance titles. His passion for running began in high school where he claimed the title of champion in the 1987 National High School Cross Country race and 1988 National High School Mile. Kennedy recently retired from his professional running career to take on new horizons in the industry not only with PUMA but also as the co-owner of The Running Company, a running specialty store with three locations in Indianapolis.

The 35-year old runner currently resides in Indianapolis, IN where he lives with his wife Melina and two children Marcus and Sophia.