Kevin Plank’s Vision for Under Armour

Kevin Plank founded Under Armour in 1996 and has been the CEO ever since, until now. On January 1, Kevin Plank stepped down as the CEO of this company. Frisk, the new CEO, will continue to report to Plank, however. Kevin Plank is becoming the executive chairman of the company instead. He wants an opportunity to work more on marketing and building the products of Under Armour. Plank loves engaging in hands-on and creative work and being a CEO did not allot the time required for doing this type of work. These time restraints have proved difficult for Plank as he built Under Armour himself. He began by crafting the products himself in his grandmother’s house.

Kevin Plank believes that it is time to go back to his creative and humble beginnings. The company has been in a decline in North America in recent years. This is unfortunate as North America is the company’s largest market area. Plank believes it is time for new creative energies to come into play to create an increase rather than a decline. Plank believes that the type of work he did in the beginning which allowed for such success will allow for success again. The career change for Kevin Plank will allow him to focus more on the big picture rather than just administrative tasks. He will also be free to let his creative energies flow as there will be no micromanagement.

Other CEO’s have done this drastic move as well, including Ralph Lauren and Bill Gates. Plank is learning from these examples for the future of his career. Frisk, the new CEO, was essential in the reorganization of strategies for driving sales. He has improved operations throughout the company. This will allow him to be an excellent new CEO for the company which Plank handles more product creativity. Hopefully these changes will adjust some of the challenges that have arisen.

Read full article : https://www.economicclub.org/events/kevin-plank