Under Armour, Inc. announced the appointment of David McCreight to the position of president. McCreight, most recently president of Lands' End, will report directly to Kevin Plank and will be responsible for developing and executing the long-term strategy for growth, implementing innovative new practices to achieve efficiency and managing the company's core businesses, which include Apparel, Footwear and Accessories.
McCreight, 45, comes to Under Armour from Lands' End, a division of the Sears Holding Corporation, where, as president, he was responsible for setting strategic direction for all functions of the multi-channel retail company. During his tenure, McCreight strategically shifted the company's focus from its well known domestic catalog business into becoming a leading multi-national, multi-channel lifestyle brand. Under his leadership, Lands' End saw record breaking earnings growth as well as the development and expansion of over 200 specialty stores within Sears. Previously, McCreight served as senior vice president of Disney Stores Worldwide and held the president position at Smith and Hawken.
“Welcoming David McCreight as President is a milestone chapter in the Under Armour story. Working alongside of COO Wayne Marino, David's experience and insight will create an immediate impact on our business,” said Plank. “The addition of David allows me to focus on driving growth and steering the UA Brand, both in the United States and around the globe.”
Under Armour said it has added over 50 years of industry experience to its executive team within the past twelve months through the appointments of McCreight; Peter Mahrer, president and managing Director of Under Armour Europe; and Suzanne Karkus, senior vice president of apparel.
“David will be leading our strong and experienced front-end management team overseeing Under Armour's core business units and will give all of our teams a new perspective on adding value and building internal efficiencies,” added Plank. “We are fortunate to now have two strong leaders in Wayne Marino and David McCreight to manage our back and front end initiatives respectively.”
Under Armour also noted that it is in the midst of another record breaking year. The brand has already seen 27% growth in its overall business in the first quarter of 2008 while successfuly launching its first ever non-cleated footwear offering for men, women and youth.
“It is a tremendous opportunity to join the Under Armour team at such an important period of growth for the company,” explained McCreight. “Upon meeting with the management team, it was clear to me why the brand has been so successful and why so many people want to be a part of what is happening here. I look forward to working with the entire team to help sustain the growth the brand expects to achieve well into the future.”
McCreight is expected to begin in his new role at the company's Baltimore Global Headquarters in September 2008.
