Laughton Takes Helm as REI's New CEO
Portfolio - People | Jan 24, 2025 | EIN
The latest roundup of movements and mergers in the sports business industry features significant changes in personnel, partnerships, and investments. REI has appointed Mary Beth Laughton as its new President and CEO, with her tenure officially commencing on March 31. With a strong background leading Nike's digital consumer business and as CEO of Athleta, Laughton is expected to guide REI through its next phase of growth. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Drive GC has expanded its ownership group with the addition of high-profile limited partners, including Luke Combs and Chipper Jones, further integrating the culture of celebrity and sports. Winners Alliance has brought in Rob Sanzillo as Chief Growth Officer, tasked with advancing the company's commercial strategy and expansion into new ventures. Additionally, several strategic partnerships have been forged, including Oracle Red Bull Racing enhancing its collaboration with Philips Professional Displays and Coastal Carolina Athletics partnering with Taymar Sales U. Noteworthy investments include Grammy-nominated Noah Kahan investing in Boston Common Golf, aligning with Fenway Sports Group and other's notable sports investors.
Sectors
- Sports Business
- Retail and Consumer Goods
Geography
- United States – The majority of transactions and appointments discussed concern entities and individuals based in the United States, such as REI, Boston Common Golf, and several sports teams.
- Japan – Relevant due to Ito En's partnership with MLB, highlighting cross-border collaborations in the sports business sector.
Industry
- Sports Business – The article predominantly discusses events in the sports business sector, highlighting personnel changes and investments that affect various sports franchises and organizations globally.
- Retail and Consumer Goods – Mentioned due to REI's appointment of a new CEO from a retail background, as well as partnerships involving consumer companies like Ito En with MLB.
Financials
- $1.8 billion – The valuation of OneTeam Partners during a transitional phase managed by Malaika Underwood.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| REI | Target Company | Company | An outdoor retail company appointing a new CEO. |
| Mary Beth Laughton | New CEO | Person | Formerly of Nike and Athleta, now stepping into the role of CEO at REI. |
| Atlanta Drive GC | Sports Franchise | Company | Part of Arthur M. Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment portfolio. |
| Noah Kahan | Investor | Person | Musician investing in Boston Common Golf. |
| Oracle Red Bull Racing | Sports Team | Company | Expanding its partnership with Philips Professional Displays. |
| Philips Professional Displays (PPDS) | Digital Display Partner | Company | Providing digital display technology to Oracle Red Bull Racing. |
| Ito En | Sponsor | Company | Japanese green tea maker entering into a partnership with MLB. |
| Fenway Sports Group | Investor | Company | Part of the investor group in Boston Common Golf alongside Noah Kahan. |