Authentic Brands Group has named Matt Maddox as the new CEO, with founder Jamie Salter transitioning to executive chairman.
Salter will remain deeply engaged in the business with a focus on strategic growth, including mergers and acquisitions, global partnerships, and other long-term strategic priorities.
“As founder and executive chairman, I will continue to do what I’ve always done: being laser-focused on driving strategic, transformational opportunities that will position our peerless company for continued growth,” Salter commented.
“I’ll remain actively involved, partnering closely with Matt and the entire leadership team, as we continue building the world’s leading brand, marketing, and entertainment platform,” he added.
Maddox has been the group’s president since last January and will continue in the post after becoming CEO.
Reporting to Salter, Maddox will lead Authentic’s global enterprise execution and day-to-day operations, with a mandate to scale the platform, drive organic growth across the portfolio, and deepen long-term value creation.
“Authentic’s leadership bench is exceptional, and it is a privilege to step into the role of CEO and lead a team of this caliber forward,” Maddox said. “The opportunity ahead is significant, and we are just getting started.”
Founded in 2010, Authentic has grown from a single brand into a global platform spanning sports, entertainment, and fashion. The group’s portfolio includes more than 50 brands that generate $38 billion in system-wide retail sales, including Reebok, Champion, Guess, Brooks Brothers, and Billabong.
The group recently emerged as the most likely buyer of denim brand Lee, after Kontoor Brands, owner of Helly Hansen and Wrangler, revealed its decision to divest the label.
Authentic has a network of 1700 partners across 150 countries, with strategic hubs in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mumbai, Mexico City, Shanghai, and Tokyo. The company has also welcomed partners such as Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, and Kevin Hart as stakeholders.
