CNBC: Fanatics-backed vintage sports brand Mitchell & Ness hires Nike executive as CEO

Mitchell & Ness, the lifestyle clothing brand known for its throwback and vintage jerseys and apparel that was acquired by Fanatics last year, has hired Nike executive Eli Kumekpor as its new CEO.

Kumekpor, who most recently served as the global vice president and general manager of Jordan Brand’s men’s business, will replace former CEO Kevin Wulff, who joined Fanatics when Mitchell & Ness was acquired and is now retiring.

Established in 1904 in Philadelphia, Mitchell & Ness makes and sells vintage jerseys and apparel collections for nearly every major sports league. Fanatics acquired a 75% stake in the company in February 2022 in a deal that valued the company at $250 million, with the other 25% going to a group of celebrities and athletes including Jay-Z, Lebron James, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Durant.

In 2022, the company was a $350 million business and saw annual growth of 30%, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin told CNBC in October 2022…