Ted Baker owner Authentic Brands Group appoints new President

Authentic Brands Group, the owner Reebok, Juicy Couture and Ted Baker, has appointed Matt Maddox as President.

With more than 20 years of experience in global hospitality and gaming, Maddox most recently served as CEO of Wynn Resorts, a developer and operator of luxury hotels and casino resorts.

His experience in scaling complex, high-growth businesses and ability to drive operational excellence will help Authentic diversify its business across new verticals and industries.

Jamie Salter, founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic Brands Group, said: "Matt is an exceptional leader, and I’m thrilled to welcome him to Authentic. I’m confident that his leadership will enable us to seize new opportunities and accelerate our growth."

Authentic Brands Group is described as a unified platform that integrates M&A, licensing, brand strategy and digital innovation.

It owns more than 50 global brands, generating approximately $32 billion in annual retail sales. These brands have a presence in 150 countries, with more than 13,000 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops, as well as 400,000 points of sale worldwide.

The company's portfolio includes Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Reebok, Champion, Nautica, Sports Illustrated, Eddie Bauer, Aéropostale, Nine West, Juicy Couture, Quiksilver, Billabong, Sperry, Hunter and Ted Baker, amongst others.

Matt Maddox, newly appointed President at Authentic Brands Group, said: "Authentic is a dynamic global company and clear market leader in the industry creating a category of one.

"At Wynn, we worked with Authentic over the years, and I developed great admiration for the entrepreneurial spirit and growth profile of the company.

"I look forward to working with this talented team and contributing to the success and continued growth of Authentic. Together, we will strengthen our global footprint and expand our brand portfolio in ways that will create lasting impact."

The appointment follows a busy 2024 for Authentic, having acquired athleisure brand Champion in October, marking the second-largest brand acquisition in the firm's history.

It also partnered with United Legwear & Apparel Co. to "restore its digital destination" for Ted Baker, which it acquired in August 2022. The move sees ULAC manage the e-commerce operations for British fashion brand in the UK and Europe.