Mitchell & Ness Hires Nike Exec as CEO

Mitchell & Ness (Philadelphia), a lifestyle clothing brand selling throwback and vintage jerseys and apparel, has hired Nike executive Eli Kumekpor as its new CEO. Kumekpor, who most recently served as Global VP and General Manager of Jordan Brand’s men’s business, replaces Kevin Wulff, who joined Fanatics Inc.(Jacksonville, Fla.) when Mitchell & Ness was acquired by that firm and is retiring on Sept. 1.

While at Nike, Kumekpor also served as Co-Chair of the Nike Black Employee Network and as a member of the Nike Black Community Commitment Taskforce, a select group of executives responsible for leading the organization’s $140 million commitment to black communities.

In his new job, Kumekpor will report to Joe Bozich, Fanatics’ CEO of Vertical Brands.

“Eli has an incredible background that includes several years leading one of the world’s most progressive, beloved brands,” Bozich said in a news release. “He is the perfect leader to take Mitchell & Ness, an iconic lifestyle and culture brand, to the next level, as well as bring an elevated product mindset to everything Fanatics designs and makes.”

Said Kumekpor. “I look forward to working closely with the team and the broader Fanatics organization to grow our presence and uncover new opportunities to deliver increased value to our fans and partners around the world.”

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 percent stake in the company in February 2022 in a deal that valued the company at $250 million, with the remaining shares going to a group of celebrities and athletes including Jay-Z, Lebron James, Kevin Hart and Kevin Durant.