Becker will run Reebok

BERLIN - Reebok's chief marketing officer, Uli Becker, has been chosen to become the sportswear maker's new president and chief executive.

Adidas AG, the German company that owns Canton-based Reebok, made the announcement today. Starting in April, Becker will take over from Paul Harrington, who has been with Reebok for nearly 12 years, including the last two years as chief executive.

Adidas bought Reebok International Ltd. in 2006 in a deal that has helped make the company a major rival to Nike Inc.

Adidas also said today that its fourth-quarter profit rose 62 percent, helped by lower purchasing costs resulting from its acquisition of Reebok in 2006.

Adidas earned the US equivalent of $31.9 million in the October-December period, while sales rose to $3.7 billion.

For the year, the company earned $837.9 million, up 14 percent from the previous year. (AP)