Marc Ecko, founder of Complex magazine and streetwear pioneer, returns to the media company as chief creative and innovation officer to lead creative strategy and integration of new technologies. The company also appoints Ray Elias as chief marketing officer to drive growth and communication efforts.
Marc Ecko, the renowned streetwear pioneer and founder of Complex magazine, has returned to the media company in a newly created role as chief creative and innovation officer. Ecko, who originally established Complex in 2002, will now be responsible for overseeing the creative strategy of the company while driving the integration of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance audience engagement.
Alongside Ecko’s appointment, Complex also announced the hiring of Ray Elias as chief marketing officer. Elias brings over 25 years of experience to the role and will focus on spearheading growth and communications across Complex’s media and commerce businesses. Previously, Elias served as chief marketing officer at HotelTonight, a hotel booking platform that was acquired by Airbnb, and spent more than a decade as chief marketing officer at StubHub, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the company into a multibillion-dollar live entertainment and e-commerce platform.
Marc Ecko’s history with Complex dates back to its founding. Beyond Complex, he originally launched the fashion brand Ecko Unltd. in 1993, starting as a T-shirt company that grew into a prominent label within hip-hop and urban communities, easily recognizable by its rhinoceros logo. In 2023, marking the brand’s 30th anniversary, Ecko returned to create a limited-edition collection inspired by his archival designs, having sold his stake in Ecko Unltd. to Iconix Brand Group in 2009. More recently, his focus has been on philanthropic efforts.
Complex itself underwent a significant transition in 2024, when it was acquired by Ntwrk with strategic investments from Universal Music Group, Jimmy Iovine, Goldman Sachs, and Main Street Advisors. The company continues to publish a print magazine, operate an e-commerce platform, and produce the widely attended ComplexCon event in various cities around the world.
The WWD » Fashion News is reporting that Marc Ecko’s return to Complex and the addition of Ray Elias mark key leadership moves aimed at driving innovation and growth within the company’s evolving media and commerce landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
