Champion announces the appointment of Maurizio Donadi as its new creative director, effective 1 December.
- Maurizio Donadi brings over 45 years of experience in fashion retail to Champion.
- He has previously held senior roles at brands like Ralph Lauren, Armani, Levi Strauss, and Diesel.
- Donadi is known for founding the Los Angeles-based vintage retailer, Transnomadica.
- This strategic move is expected to redefine Champion’s position in the sportswear market.
American sportswear brand Champion has strategically appointed Maurizio Donadi, a seasoned professional with a 45-year tenure in the fashion retail industry, as its new creative director starting 1 December. Donadi’s extensive career includes significant roles in prestigious organisations such as Ralph Lauren, Armani, Levi Strauss, and Diesel, providing him with a wealth of experience that he brings to his new role at Champion.
Donadi began his career with the Benetton Group in the 1980s and advanced through various influential positions, notably serving as executive vice president at Giorgio Armani from 1999 to 2006 and as global senior vice president at Polo Ralph Lauren between 2006 and 2009. His diverse background and comprehensive understanding of brand dynamics are crucial to his new role, where he will oversee creative direction across all product lines and seasonal collections.
Outside his corporate achievements, Donadi is the founder of Transnomadica, a Los Angeles-based vintage fashion retailer established in 2012. This entrepreneurial venture underscores his creative ingenuity and passion for fashion, qualities he will leverage at Champion to enhance brand campaigns and collaboration strategies.
Champion’s Europe CEO, Lorenzo Moretti, expressed high expectations for Donadi, praising his expertise and visionary design approach. Moretti is confident in Donadi’s ability to uphold Champion’s rich heritage while redefining its market presence. This new appointment is seen as pivotal for further innovation and authenticity within the brand’s operations.
The context of Champion’s strategic decisions extends beyond personnel changes. In June, the brand’s ownership by Authentic Brands Group (ABG) marks another influential change. ABG, a company known for acquiring major names like Reebok, plans to purchase Champion from HanesBrands in a transaction valued between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion. This acquisition is significant, as Champion generates approximately $3 billion annually in global retail sales, underscoring its substantial market footprint.
Champion’s appointment of Maurizio Donadi as creative director aligns with its strategic ambitions to innovate and maintain its influential role in the sportswear sector.
