Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1490822
4 • Footwear Insight ~ January/February 2023 footwearinsight.com A s 2022 came to a close, Under Armour an- nounced it had hired Stephanie Linnartz, the president of Marriott International, as its new president and CEO. She starts her new job, which includes a spot on the Under Armour board, on Feb. 27. Her arrival at the Baltimore-based company comes at a pivotal time for the brand, which lowered its annual revenue guidance in early November and currently has higher expectations for its international business than its home North American market, which has recently been hampered by a promotional environment. Linnartz, who is expected to work with company founder Kevin Plank on the brand's "of- fensive approach" in 2023 and beyond, will be charged with pri- oritizing "digitization, product, and brand" following five years of restructuring that resulted in previous Under Armour CEO Patrik Frisk exiting in June 2022. Interim CEO Colin Browne will move back into a Chief Operating Officer role. Linnartz also may be leaned on to help Under Armour attract a younger demographic again and develop a brand approach in the fashion and lifestyle business that the brand has o abandoned in favor of a more sports-performance focus. Before being named president of Marriott International in 2021, Linnartz served as group president of consumer operations, tech- nology, and emerging business for the globe's largest hospitality company. Linnartz said, "Under Armour is an iconic brand with a huge opportunity ahead. is com- pany has immense energy and excitement, and I am committed to building growth while main- taining 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, custom- ers, and shareholders." — Bob McGee Under Armour Gets a New CEO LEADERSHIP SPECIALTY RETAIL THE FOOTWEAR EYE Stephanie Linnartz Northern California sports specialty retailer Sports Basement has opened its first Southern California location. Sports Basement Orange County opened in November in a former Fry's Electronics location in Fountain Valley, CA. It is the CA retail chain's 12th store in the state. Sports Basement Orange County's offerings include a full range of active and outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment, from running and hiking gear to skis, snowboards and bikes. It also has a community events space. Sports Basement Opens Orange County Location