Orlando Ashford will oversee human resources, diversity and inclusion for the digital sports company.
“Culture is everything and our success is directly related to our incredible associates based around the world. As we continue to grow and expand, it becomes even more important to double down on organizational development, and I can’t think of a better person to lead this charge than Orlando,” Rubin said.
Ashford has held senior HR roles at several companies including Marsh & McLennan, Cola-Cola and Motorola. Most recently, he was a strategic partner with private equity firm Sycamore Partners. In addition to serving as a strategic adviser to the Fanatics executive team, Ashford will work to expand Fanatics’efforts as well as its philanthropic initiatives which include the Fanatics Foundation.
“From the moment I met Michael Rubin and listened to his vision for expanding the Fanatics business, which was rooted in empowering the company’s incredible global workforce and creating a world-class culture, I knew that this was the perfect place for me,” Ashford said.
In other Fanatics news, the company has expanded the ownership group of its Mitchell & Ness division. The streetwear and lifestyle brand was purchased in February by Fanatics along with Jay-Z, Maverick Carter, Meek Mill, the D’Amelio family and Lil Baby for an undisclosed sum. Earlier this week, some other bold-face names including LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Scooter Braun and Odell Beckham Jr., also invested in the brand.