Kevin Plank

As special teams captain for the University of Maryland football team in the summer of 1995, Kevin Plank had the idea for a T-shirt that wicked sweat and kept athletes cool, dry, and light. Upon graduating from Maryland in 1996, Plank began the business making that idea a reality and changing the way athletes dress. He went on a mission to find the perfect fabric—performance synthetics—and the perfect fit—compression—and ultimately launched Under Armour (NYSE: UA).

After 15 years of imploring athletes to “Protect this House,” Plank oversees a company with over 4,000 employees. Under Armour athletic performance apparel, footwear and accessories are sold worldwide and worn by athletes at all levels - from youth to professional - on playing fields around the globe.

Plank has received a wide variety of professional accolades that demonstrate his growing influence within the industry. Now 39, he was most recently ranked #14 on Fortune Magazine’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list, which accounts for influence, power and future potential.