Fanatics names Orlando Ashford as chief people officer

Ashford will lead the company’s HR, culture, and talent strategy.

US.- Fanatics has appointed Orlando Ashford as its new chief people officer. Ashford will lead the company’s HR, culture and talent strategy for the company’s three businesses: commerce, collectibles, and betting & gaming. Based in New York City, he will report to CEO Michael Rubin and CFO Glenn H. Schiffman.

Ashford has held senior HR roles with several Fortune 500 companies, including Marsh & McLennan, Coca-Cola and Motorola. He was president of the cruise ship company Holland America Line.

CEO Michael Rubin said: “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 organisational development, and I can’t think of a better person to lead this charge than Orlando.

“His vast experience running HR teams and his C-level experience, with people and culture being the primary lens for how he’s managed and operated his businesses, will help us further develop our ambitions to build one of the world’s most transformative and exciting brands.”

Ashford commented: “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.

“Fanatics is a special company, one that I’ve long admired, where I can take my energy and expertise to further establish a diverse, platform-wide company culture comprised of the best and brightest people that want to be a part of a once-in-a-generation company.”

Fanatics recently appointed Andrea Ellis as CFO of Fanatics Betting & Gaming (FBG), the group’s online sports betting and igaming division. She supervises business and financial planning and analysis across FBG’s finance functions, including accounting, budget, tax, and cost management.

In June, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission gave Fanatics initial approval for a sports wagering facility operator licence.