Early Life
James S. Davis was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1943, to Greek immigrants. He attended Worcester Academy and later Middlebury College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry in 1966. While at Middlebury, he played college football.
Rise to Success
Davis began his career in sales engineering and marketing before purchasing New Balance in 1972. At the time, the company was a small operation with only six employees. Davis transformed New Balance into a global corporation, expanding its product line and maintaining a focus on quality and customer service. He has been credited with the company's growth, which bucked fashion trends, focusing instead on comfort, support, and a wide range of sizes.
Key Business Strategies
A key strategy for New Balance under Davis has been maintaining a significant manufacturing presence in the United States, which sets the brand apart from many competitors. The company's focus has been on product performance and customer loyalty, rather than following the latest fashion trends. New Balance also expanded its product line beyond running shoes to include footwear, clothing, and equipment for various sports and lifestyle fashion.
Philanthropy
In 1981, Jim and Anne Davis established the New Balance Foundation, which supports various initiatives related to health, wellness, youth development, and education. The Foundation has donated over $165 million to global communities. In 2025, the New Balance Foundation announced a $100 million gift to Massachusetts General Hospital to create a new cardiovascular care tower.
