US' Under Armour selects Stephanie Linnartz as president & CEO

Linnartz currently serves as the president of Marriott International, Inc, the world’s largest hospitality company, with a portfolio of nearly 8,200 properties across 138 countries and territories and 30 brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Marriott Hotels, W Hotels, and Westin as well as the industry’s most extensive customer-loyalty programme, Marriott Bonvoy, which has 173 million members, according to a press release by Under Armour.

“As a 25-year veteran of one of the world’s most respected global companies, we are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the brand,” said Kevin Plank, Under Armour executive chair and brand chief. “She is a proven growth leader with a distinguished track record of brand strategy, omnichannel execution, talent acquisition and development, and passion for driving best-in-class consumer connectivity, experience, and brand loyalty.”

“Responsible for leading Marriott’s multi-billion dollar digital transformation, driving scale through continuous brand innovation across the portfolio, developing premier sports league and team partnerships, while architecting the extraordinary growth of its loyalty programme—the board is confident that Stephanie—along with our leadership team and all of our key stakeholders—will accelerate our ability to realise the substantial opportunities for Under Armour as both an operating company and aspirational brand,” added Plank.

Upon Linnartz joining the company, Colin Browne, who has served as interim president and CEO since June 2022, will continue in a leadership role by resuming his position as chief operating officer, added the release.

“Colin is a world-class industry professional and has done a terrific job leading throughout the transition. Highlights include refining our long-term strategy by tripling our total addressable market, validating the renewed growth fundamentals necessary to establish sector leadership, and championing our UA team culture. The board and the entire organisation are grateful for his continued leadership and are fortunate to have such an important partner for Stephanie,” commented Plank.

“Under Armour is an iconic brand with a huge opportunity ahead. This company has immense energy and excitement, and I am committed to building growth while maintaining operational excellence. I look forward to joining the incredible UA team, partnering with Kevin and the board, and leading this amazing company into its next chapter, delivering for athletes, teammates, customers, and shareholders,” said Linnartz.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)