Champion has appointed Maurizio Donadi as its new creative director, starting 1 December.
- Donadi’s career spans 45 years in fashion with roles at major brands like Benetton and Diesel.
- He has held top executive positions at Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Levi Strauss.
- Donadi founded the vintage fashion retailer Transnomadica in Los Angeles.
- His appointment aligns with Champion’s goals for innovation under new ownership.
Champion, the renowned American sportswear brand, has appointed Maurizio Donadi as its new creative director, effective from 1 December. With a career in fashion retail spanning 45 years, Donadi brings a wealth of experience to Champion, having started at Benetton Group in the 1980s. His journey in fashion retail includes significant roles, notably as the US director of retail at Diesel in 1994.
Donadi’s extensive expertise is highlighted by his tenure as executive vice president at Giorgio Armani from 1999 to 2006. Subsequently, he served as global senior vice president at Polo Ralph Lauren and later at Levi Strauss from 2009 to 2012. Furthermore, Donadi contributed as chief brand officer at Armani Exchange between 2014 and 2015, which underscores his prominent presence in the industry.
In 2012, Donadi founded Transnomadica, a vintage fashion retailer based in Los Angeles, reflecting his passion and dedication to the fashion sector. At Champion, he will oversee creative direction across all product lines and seasonal collections, aiming to bolster the brand through impactful campaigns and strategic collaborations.
Lorenzo Moretti, CEO of Champion Europe, expressed his confidence in Donadi’s ability to enhance the brand, stating that his “expertise and visionary approach to design will be a powerful asset to the brand.” Moretti further acknowledged this appointment as a strategic step toward redefining Champion’s position in the sports and lifestyle markets, emphasizing the brand’s focus on innovation and authenticity.
Authentic Brands Group, the owner of more than 50 global brands, announced plans to acquire Champion in a deal valued between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, dependent on performance metrics. Champion, generating close to $3 billion in global sales annually, became Authentic’s second-largest acquisition after Reebok from Adidas. This transition will see AMG Companies handling Champion’s primary business operations in the US and Canada.
In a move to continue its growth trajectory, Champion’s long-term collegiate apparel business in the US will operate under GearCo, managed by Ames Watson. Furthermore, additional partnerships are established with BBC International and Gildan for footwear and printwear respectively, while Falic Group will manage clothing and accessories in Central and South America, and IB Group will lead market operations in Mexico. Authentic Brands Group plans to reveal more partnerships across Europe, Asia, and Australia, aimed at expanding Champion’s reach further.
This strategic appointment and acquisition reflect Champion’s commitment to growth and innovation in the global market.
