Eli Kumekpor

Mitchell & Ness, the throwback apparel brand purchased last year by Fanatics and a large group of celebrities, has named former Nike executive Eli Kumekpor as its next CEO. Kumekpor will be tasked with growing the company’s core business, while also finding new ways to maximize value from the group’s new owners and their deep ties to sports, fashion, music and culture. He is replacing Kevin Wulff, who is retiring this week after holding the position since 2016. Kumekpor was most recently global vice president and general manager of men’s product at Jordan Brand. He was also co-chair of the Nike Black Employee Network. The move comes as Mitchell & Ness, with help from Fanatics, pushes to expand its portfolio of rights. Shortly after the acquisition, Mitchell & Ness added a league-wide licensing deal with the NHL and an expanded set of products with MLB. It has also added more than 60 new university partners to expand its collection of throwback gear and lifestyle clothing. Prior to joining Nike, Kumekpor worked in the healthcare industry at AstraZeneca, Alcon and Life Technologies. He is a board member of women’s clothing company Chico’s FAS