Under Armour names new CEO, ending months of search

Under Armour announced it has finally found someone to lead the company as its new chief executive officer. The Maryland-based sports equipment company that manufactures footwear, sports, and casual apparel recruited the former president of Mariott International for the post.

Under Armour said that Stephanie Linnartz has been selected to be its new CEO. Her assignment has now concluded the search that has been going on for about seven months since Patrik Frisk stepped down in May.

At that time, Colin Browne, who is the company's chief operating officer has taken over as interim president and CEO. As the company finally has its new chief, it is now looking to expand its digital business.

Linnartz was said to be one of the 60 candidates for the CEO role. She was selected despite having been in the hospitality industry since joining Mariott in 1997. Under Armour's executive chairman, founder and brand chief, Kevin Plank, told CNBC that she was chosen for her digital capabilities, as shown in her success in transforming and boosting Mariott's presence online.

Plank further commented that Linnartz is "really a learner" who has "that intellectual curiosity and she is coming in with the point-of-view as a pro." Under the new leadership, the president said that one of Under Armour's main priorities is digitization in addition to its brand and product after a transition period of five or six years.

He added that Under Armour is not really looking for a significant change in its business direction. Plank said the company certainly likes the strategy that is currently in place although the brand is now growing as much as they want it to be.

"As a 25-year veteran of one of the world's most respected global companies, we are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the brand," Plank said in a press release. "She is a proven growth leader with a distinguished track record of brand strategy, omnichannel execution, talent acquisition and development, and passion for driving best-in-class consumer connectivity, experience, and brand loyalty."

Under Armour's executive chairman added that with all that Linnatz had achieved while leading and transforming Marriott's multi-billion dollar digital transformation, the company's board, stakeholders, and leadership team are confident that Linnartz will be able to speed up "our ability to realize the substantial opportunities for Under Armour as both an operating company and aspirational brand."

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