Ahead Names Mark Kliethermes New Senior Creative Director

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (Oct. 29, 2024) – Mark Kliethermes has been named Senior Creative Director at Ahead. Kliethermes brings more than 20 years of experience in creative design roles within the licensed sports industry, working with the resort and golf business as well as collegiate and professional sports. He most recently served as the Senior Creative Manager with Under Armour / Gear For Sports

Over the course of his 20+ year career, Kliethermes has worked on licensed product with prominent sports organizations including the USGA, PGA, USTA, MLB, NBA, NFL and the NCAA.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to Ahead,” said Anne Broholm, CEO, Ahead. “He has an impressive background in both embroidery and screenprint custom apparel and headwear, as well as extensive knowledge in sports licensing, including established relationships with key customers in Ahead’s existing markets. Under Mark’s leadership we look forward to expanding our commitment to provide our customers the very best in styling, fabrication, and creative ornamentation for which Ahead has long been recognized.”

As Senior Creative Director, Kliethermes will serve as creative voice for Ahead across all markets, engaging with Ahead’s sales representatives and customers and reinforcing Ahead’s reputation for innovation in the marketplace. Kliethermes will lead and set the creative tone internally, establishing the strategic direction for the company’s design efforts.

“The most important thing I’ve learned in working with high-profile brands is to be authentic,” Kliethermes said. “It is important to respect their history, customers, and fans, and ensure that the creative stays fresh and inspired. I look forward to bringing this passion to Ahead and to leading our design team.”

Kliethermes earned bachelor’s degrees in graphic arts management and commercial graphic design from University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo.