Champion, a leading sportswear brand, welcomes former top executive Maurizio Donadi as its new creative director.
- Donadi’s impressive career spans 45 years, starting at Benetton Group and including key roles at Diesel, Armani, and Ralph Lauren.
- He founded Transnomadica, a vintage fashion retailer in Los Angeles, in 2012.
- Donadi will lead Champion’s creative direction and strategic collaborations, enhancing their brand heritage.
- This leadership change coincides with Authentic Brands Group’s acquisition of Champion.
Champion, the renowned sportswear brand, has named Maurizio Donadi as its creative director, effective December 1st. Donadi brings a wealth of experience from his 45-year career in fashion retail, having held significant roles at Benetton, Diesel, Armani, and Ralph Lauren. His journey began with the Benetton Group in the 1980s, where he cultivated his skills before moving to Diesel in 1994 as the US director of retail.
Throughout his distinguished career, Donadi has served in prominent positions, including executive vice president at Giorgio Armani from 1999 to 2006 and global senior vice president at Polo Ralph Lauren from 2006 to 2009. He later joined Levi Strauss as a global senior vice president from 2009 to 2012, further extending his influence in the fashion industry. Additionally, he was the chief brand officer of Armani Exchange between 2014 and 2015, showcasing his adeptness in brand leadership.
In 2012, Donadi founded Transnomadica, a Los Angeles-based vintage fashion retailer, reflecting his passion for unique and timeless fashion. His new role at Champion will involve overseeing the creative direction across the brand’s product lines and seasonal collections. He will also support the team in crafting strategies for brand campaigns and collaborations.
According to Champion’s Europe CEO, Lorenzo Moretti, Donadi’s expertise and visionary approach to design will significantly benefit the brand. Moretti expressed confidence in Donadi’s ability to honor Champion’s unmatched heritage while redefining its position within the sports and lifestyle sector. Moretti emphasized that this appointment marks a significant advancement as the brand continues to push the boundaries of innovation and authenticity.
This leadership change comes at a strategic time as Champion undergoes a transition in ownership. In June, Authentic Brands Group, a company that owns over 50 global brands, announced plans to acquire Champion from HanesBrands. The acquisition deal is valued between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, contingent on Champion’s performance, making it Authentic’s second-largest acquisition after Reebok. Under the new management, AMG Companies will oversee Champion’s core business in the US and Canada. Meanwhile, GearCo, operated by investment firm Ames Watson, will manage the brand’s long-term US collegiate apparel business under a new license.
Champion’s partnership strategy includes collaboration with various companies in the North American region such as BBC International for footwear and Gildan for printwear. In Central and South America, the Falic Group will be the main partner for clothing and accessories, while IB Group will handle operations in Mexico. Furthermore, Authentic has plans to announce new partnerships in additional categories and territories, spanning Europe, Asia, and Australia in the near future.
Champion is set on a promising path with Maurizio Donadi poised to enhance its creative and strategic direction.
