Pentland announced plans to relaunch the Italian sportswear brand Ellesse in the U.S. market with a focus on tennis and ski as part of a new licensing deal with The Iconic Brand Corporation (TIBC).
The exclusive, long-term licensing partnership will see TIBC design, develop, produce, and market Ellesse apparel and accessories in the U.S., in collaboration with Ellesse’s London team. The first collection will launch in Spring 2026 via Ellesse.us, followed by the opening of flagship stores later that year.
Jack Richardson, global brand director for Ellesse at Pentland Brands, said, “This is a big moment for Ellesse, and a critical part of our brand reset. The U.S. is packed with opportunity, and with The Iconic Brand Corporation on board, we’ve got the perfect partner to bring our unique blend of sport and style stateside. We can’t wait to kick things off with our premium collection in Spring 2026 and introduce a whole new generation to Ellesse.”
TIBC’s management team includes Chairman Todd Furniss, who was Ellesse’s first U.S. amateur contract tennis player in 1978. Pentland said in a media release, “A key figure in U.S. tennis and golf culture, he now heads up TICGroup, with deep expertise across private equity and healthcare transformation.”
Duwayne Miller, TIBC’s CEO, brings over 25 years of experience at lifestyle brands including Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers. Pentland said, “He leads the vision for the Ellesse relaunch with an expert team spanning product, sourcing, digital, and marketing.”
PM Andersson, TIBC’s CFO, “brings financial expertise across consumer goods, private equity, and asset management, ensuring the partnership is set up for long-term, sustainable growth,“ according to Pentland.
Furniss stated, “Ellesse is a brand I’ve had a relationship with for 47 years, and few things bring more personal excitement than returning it to prominence at the intersection of sport, fashion, and culture. Collaborating with Duwayne’s brilliant team and the Pentland Group is a real career highlight.”
Richardson added, “We’re delighted to welcome The Iconic Brand Company into the Ellesse family; this is a group of leaders who understand what it takes to build something meaningful. Our partnership allows us to reintroduce the brand in a way that feels elevated, relevant, and true to its heritage. They bring passion, precision, and the kind of deep cultural connection that aligns beautifully with where we’re heading as a global brand.”
Image courtesy Pentland
