Under Armour has announced that CEO Stephanie Linnartz will be stepping down from her role, just a little over a year after she took the position. Founder Kevin Plank will be making a comeback as the brand's chief executive, effective April 1.

Linnartz, who joined Under Armour in February 2023 after a successful career at Marriott International, where she served as president, was chosen to lead the company due to her expertise in digital sales and loyalty programs. During her tenure, she launched UA Rewards and had plans to expand the brand's women's assortment to attract more customers.

However, the athletic company has decided to bring back Plank as CEO. Plank, who founded Under Armour in 1996, stepped down as CEO four years ago but has continued to serve as chairman of the board. He will assume his new role on April 1.

Linnartz will remain with Under Armour as an advisor until the end of April, providing guidance during the transition. Plank will also remain a director on the company's board, but the chair position will be handed over to Mohamed El-Erian, the chief economic advisor at Allianz, Pimco's parent company.

In a statement, Plank expressed his gratitude for Linnartz's contributions to Under Armour, acknowledging her efforts in strengthening the leadership team and focusing on the consumer strategy. He also mentioned her accomplishments in product, design, supply chain, consumer connectivity, and regional management.

Linnartz, on the other hand, shared her appreciation for the opportunity to serve as Under Armour's CEO and expressed pride in the progress made during her tenure. She highlighted the company's strong foundation for future growth and stated her continued support for Under Armour's success.

The return of Plank as CEO comes as Under Armour seeks to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the sports apparel market. With Plank's extensive experience and deep understanding of the brand, the company hopes to drive growth and strengthen its position in the industry.

The changes in leadership signal a new chapter for Under Armour, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Kevin Plank's return will impact the brand's future strategies and performance.