Sporty & Rich CEO Steps Down, Founder Reclaims Creative Control

David Obadia has stepped down from his role as CEO of Sporty & Rich, the premium casualwear label founded by Emily Oberg in 2014. Oberg, previously an editorial producer at Complex magazine, initially launched Sporty & Rich as a project before evolving it into a fully-fledged brand. Obadia, who assumed the position in 2018, oversaw the label’s Paris-based operations, encompassing design, sales, and finance.

According to a recent press release, Emily Oberg has reassumed management and design control of Sporty & Rich following Obadia’s departure. The brand has carved a niche for itself within the affordable luxury market, skillfully blending streetwear aesthetics with the classic styles reminiscent of 1980s and 90s country clubs, tennis clubs, and upscale resort wear.

Sporty & Rich has experienced significant growth, consistently reporting double-digit annual revenue increases over the past seven years. Oberg has frequently cited Ralph Lauren as a key inspiration for the brand’s aesthetic, and the label has also successfully tapped into the growing wellness trend, incorporating slogans like ‘Health is Wealth’, ‘Eat More Veggies’, and ‘Drink More Water’ into its t-shirt and sweatshirt designs.

Initially launched as an online-only brand, Sporty & Rich gained traction through regular capsule collection releases and strategic collaborations with established names like Adidas and Lacoste. This online success translated into wholesale partnerships with prominent retailers including Le Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette in France, WOW in Spain, Luisa Via Roma in Italy, and End Clothing and Harrods in the UK. The brand has further expanded its presence with monobrand stores in key global cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Seoul.

Obadia expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Oberg in developing Sporty & Rich over the last seven years, stating his confidence in her ability to guide the brand through its next phase of growth. He is leaving to pursue new professional endeavors. Prior to his tenure at Sporty & Rich, Obadia’s career included roles with Pigalle, co-founding Brooklyn We Go Hard (BWGH), and founding Harmony Paris, where he continues to serve as creative director.

While Sporty & Rich has not publicly disclosed its official financial results, reports from various US news sources suggest the brand generated between $35 million and $40 million (approximately €30 million to €35 million) in revenue for 2025.