fanatics
Gina Sprenger
Chief Strategic Retail Officer, Fanatics
Born: Duluth, Minn.
Education: College of Saint Scholastica, B.A., psychology/social work
At 15, Gina Sprenger went seeking a job at a department store in her hometown of Duluth, Minn. She was too young to work the sales floor, but there was one opening: operating the elevator in a two-story building. That was the beginning of her ascension into a retail career now in its fifth decade.
Sprenger has been with licensed sports powerhouse Fanatics since 2016 and has been its chief strategic retail officer since January. She started on the e-commerce side of the business and has become a driving force behind a growing section of women’s products and “better brands” in Fanatics’ overall inventory.
“Gina has consistently raised the bar for our entire merchandise team,’’ said Jack Boyle, Fanatics global co-president, direct-to-consumer. “She’s implemented a variety of strategic initiatives to bring better speed and assortment to our physical retail operations, creating an elevated shopping experience.’’
Sprenger’s promotion came as Fanatics combined operations and all merchandising for more than 175 venues and event retail locations. It was also just before the pandemic and its accompanying quarantine, which left sports licensing more battered than hotels and airlines. Sprenger found herself in charge of unfamiliar things like employee furloughs, medical tests and buying enough plexiglass to meet the anticipated need.
“It’s been quite a pivot,’’ she said. “We’re all thankful to be part of a multichannel retailer.” — Terry Lefton
More about Gina
Guilty pleasure: A really good glass of cabernet and a trashy entertainment magazine.
Advice to my younger self: It’s OK to say “I don’t know.” We’re all constantly learning. Also: careers are marathons, not sprints.
Attribute I look for when hiring: Diversity. You need different thoughts from different people, so I look to hire people who are different from me. The best teams in business and sports have a strong combination of skills.
Proudest professional achievement in current post: After the Cubs won the 2016 World Series. The Jacksonville team was watching the game together at the office and it was a crazy Game 7 with a rain delay. When the Cubs won, total team in action, working hard, sharing the moment together; exciting and unforgettable combination of business, teamwork, and culture.
Woman in sports business I’d most like to meet: Serena Williams. She’s an incredible athlete and a great businessperson and mom.
