Athiththan Selvendran Named Chief Creative Officer of Virgil Abloh Foundation

Athiththan Selvendran Takes on New Role at the Virgil Abloh Foundation

On April 16, 2025, the Virgil Abloh Foundation (VAF) announced the appointment of Athiththan Selvendran as its new Chief Creative Officer. Known popularly as Athi, Selvendran has held significant roles in the creative landscape, particularly as the longtime chief of staff for Virgil Abloh and as the Chief Operating Officer of Virgil Abloh Securities (VAS). This announcement was delivered by Shannon Abloh and signifies an exciting expansion of Selvendran's responsibilities within the foundation.

A New Chapter in Creative Leadership

Selvendran's new position entails the management of the Virgil Abloh Archives—ensuring the preservation, cataloging, and strategic launching of Abloh's groundbreaking works and philosophies. Beyond the archival duties, he will spearhead creative design initiatives and oversee global programs striving for impactful change, such as ABLOH AIR. Selvendran will also collaborate with various brands and organizations to elevate the visibility and opportunities available for emerging creators, cultural leaders, and community builders.

In the words of Shannon Abloh, the foundation's creator, “Athi's evolution as a creator while helping shape the Virgil Abloh Foundation has been extraordinary. His unwavering determination to push boundaries, foster innovation, and keep Virgil's visionary ethos alive has laid a solid foundation for the future.”

Continued Commitment to Virgil Abloh's Legacy

Since joining the fold back in 2016, Selvendran has played pivotal roles in various entities, including Off-White and Louis Vuitton, showcasing a remarkable adaptability and understanding of what it means to break barriers in the creative industry. Following Virgil Abloh's untimely passing, he worked closely with Shannon on projects that pay homage to Abloh's legacy, such as the acclaimed exhibition “Figures of Speech” at the Brooklyn Museum in 2022 and “Nike Inc. ℅ Virgil Abloh: The Codes of Architecture.”

Selvendran expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “My ambition and dynamism drive my commitment to uphold Virgil Abloh's legacy by sharing his ethics, rhetoric, and methodologies globally. I aim to create pathways that inspire young individuals to dream, seek, and believe in their visions, guiding them to build confidence as they grow.” He believes in the power of expression across disciplines without limitations, driven by a desire to cultivate a supportive environment for creative dialogue and collaboration.

Envisioning a Future for Emerging Creatives

With an academic background that includes a degree in arts from Beloit College and various certifications from prestigious design institutes, Selvendran’s expertise and scholarly pursuits equip him well for this inspiring role. He is also pursuing dual master's degrees in global business administration and science.

The Virgil Abloh Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) entity and serves as the philanthropic arm of Virgil Abloh Securities. The foundation is dedicated to offering educational programs and mentorship while facilitating opportunities for junior creators. It strives to produce systemic change in creative industries, aiming for a more equitable and inclusive environment for underrepresented youth and cultural leaders.

As Selvendran takes the helm as CCO, his past experiences and innovative mindset promise to continue building the foundation's mission to inspire the next generation of creatives.