Under Armour Strengthens Leadership with New Board Appointments
On April 15, 2025, Under Armour, Inc. (traded on the NYSE as UA and UAA), made a significant move to enhance its leadership by appointing Dawn N. Fitzpatrick, Eugene D. Smith, and Robert J. Sweeney to its Board of Directors. These appointments come as part of the company's ongoing commitment to elevating its strategic direction and optimizing value for its stakeholders, including athletes, customers, and shareholders.
Exceptional Expertise and Diverse Backgrounds
The newly appointed board members bring a wealth of experience across various sectors, particularly within finance, sports management, and investment banking. Mohamed A. El-Erian, Chair of the Board at Under Armour, emphasized the unique attributes each member contributes: “Dawn and Rob's extensive financial and operational expertise, combined with Gene's deep knowledge of intercollegiate sports management, makes them exceptional additions to our board.” Their insights and dedication will be vital as Under Armour navigates its strategic roadmap towards greater value creation.
Dawn N. Fitzpatrick
Dawn N. Fitzpatrick has been leading Soros Fund Management as its CEO and Chief Investment Officer since 2017. Prior to her current role, she spent 25 years at UBS where she ascended to the position of Head of Investments for UBS Asset Management. Her extensive background includes notable roles in the UBS O'Connor hedge fund division and various board memberships, such as her current position as a non-executive director at Barclays plc. Fitzpatrick’s career is marked by significant achievements, including chairing committees at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and contributing to the Bretton Woods Committee's Advisory Council.
Eugene D. Smith
Eugene D. Smith served as the Senior Vice President and Athletic Director at Ohio State University from 2005 to 2024. Throughout his tenure, Smith was instrumental in guiding key NCAA committees and advocating for name, image, and likeness regulations. His leadership extended beyond Ohio State, having previously held athletic director positions at Arizona State University and Iowa State University. Smith, a former football player at Notre Dame, is also recognized as the first Black president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
Robert J. Sweeney
Robert J. Sweeney, who has been at the helm of Sycamore Partners since 2019, brings vital expertise in private equity focused on consumer and retail investments. His earlier career saw him spending over two decades at Goldman Sachs, where he climbed to become Global Head of the Consumer/Retail Investment Banking Group. Sweeney's advisory influence on Under Armour spans back to the company’s IPO in 2005. His military background involves service in the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Force, and he holds degrees from the Wharton School along with recognition as a Palmer Scholar.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Under Armour
With the addition of Fitzpatrick, Smith, and Sweeney, Under Armour's Board of Directors will now consist of eleven members, including renowned figures such as Kevin A. Plank and Carolyn N. Everson. This diverse blend of expertise and backgrounds promises to guide Under Armour into a new chapter of growth and innovation. As the company embarks on this journey, the focus remains clear: to empower athletes and enhance performance through innovative products and experiences.
For more information about Under Armour and its mission, please visit
Under Armour's official site.