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When Below Armour founder Kevin Plank stepped down from the CEO function 4 years in the past, sentiment round incoming chief Patrik Frisk was excessive. Wells Fargo analysts encapsulated the temper nicely with their assertion on the time.
“Whereas we actually don’t wish to downplay Mr. Plank’s success and achievements in guiding the corporate to a $5+ billion international model, we do consider that with a purpose to take the corporate to the proverbial ‘subsequent degree’, they might use some new blood within the CEO seat,” the analysts wrote.
It was considerably of a shock, then, when Frisk exited the function after simply two years. After a brief stint with Colin Browne performing as interim CEO, the corporate named its subsequent chief govt on the finish of 2022. Stephanie Linnartz, with a 25-year file at Marriott, took over the reins in February 2023 — and left barely a yr later.
What was maybe extra shocking than her abrupt departure was who Below Armour named CEO subsequent: Kevin Plank. This month on the podcast, we sat down with Senior Editor Cara Salpini to speak about Below Armour’s revolving CEO door, what it means for the corporate and the way the activewear retailer was impacted by the rise of Lululemon.
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Editor’s observe: This episode was produced and edited by Caroline Jansen.