Fanatics selects Orlando Ashford for Chief People Officer

The leading American sports apparel and fan gear manufacturer and retailer, Fanatics, announced a new senior-level hire Thursday. The company announced it appointed Orlando Ashford as Chief People Officer for Fanatics Holdings.

This is a newly created position that will see Ashford collaborate with the company's three main business segments - Betting & Gaming, Commerce and Collectibles. At the same time, he will be in charge of managing the global operations of human resources for Fanatics. As Chief People Officer, Ashford will oversee the activities of the company's HR team but his responsibilities also include strategic advisory for Fanatics' senior-level team.

According to a statement released by the company on October 27, 2022, Ashford will have a "dual reporting role." This means that he will report to Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin for matters related to talent development, culture, corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, as well as corporate communications.

On the other hand, he will provide strategic advice and report to Glenn H. Schiffman, Fanatics' CFO, for matters related to the company's HR infrastructure, operations, strategies and policies. Joining Fanatics as Chief People Officer, Ashford will be based in New York City.

Sharing his excitement about the recent announcement, Ashford said: "From the moment I met Michael Rubin and listened to his vision for expanding the Fanatics business, which was rooted in empowering the company's incredible global workforce and creating a world-class culture, I knew that this was the perfect place for me."

Last but not least, he said: "Fanatics is a special company, one that I've long admired, where I can take my energy and expertise to further establish a diverse, platform-wide company culture comprised of the best and brightest people that want to be a part of a once-in-a-generation company."

Before joining Fanatics, Ashford was a part of the private equity company specializing in retail and consumer investment, Sycamore Partners. During his tenure with the company, he held the position of Strategic Advisor. Additionally, Ashford has rich experience within leading global businesses such as The Coca-Cola Company, Motorola and Marsh & McLennan Companies. He was also a President of the Holland America Line.

Speaking about Ashford's appointment, Fanatics CEO, Michael Rubin, said: "Culture is everything and our success is directly related to our incredible associates based around the world." He pointed out that amid the company's ongoing growth, organizational development remains a key priority for Fanatics. This is a prime reason why the company selected Ashford, added Rubin.

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