Ann Fritchman, former senior vice president of sales at HanesBrands, joins Elon’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business as an Executive in Residence, where she will mentor students, expand sales focused events and sponsor the Women in Sales club.
With a career steering more than $1 billion in annual sales for HanesBrands across retailers like Target, Dollar General, Macy’s and Kohl’s, Ann Fritchman brings extensive industry insight to the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Executive in Residence program.
Fritchman, the former senior vice president of sales at HanesBrands, shares what she aims to accomplish in her new role and how Elon University students can benefit.
What was your most recent role at HanesBrands?
Until March 2025 I served as senior vice president of sales overseeing $1.4 billion in revenue and leading a team of 80 across our innerwear and activewear businesses.
How would you describe your career path?
I started at HanesBrands as an account manager and moved up through roles of greater responsibility, eventually becoming senior vice president. Collaborating with diverse retailers and developing high‑performing teams was deeply rewarding.
What does being an Executive in Residence mean to you?
My goal is to expand opportunities for sales minor students through competitions, speaker events and mentoring with corporate partners. I am sponsoring the Women in Sales club to create clear career pathways for interested students.
Beyond your résumé, what should people know about you?
My husband, Bob Merkel, and I have a son entering his sophomore year at Tulane University. We love to travel and plan an international trip each Christmas. Our past Christmases have been spent in Barcelona, Madrid and Amsterdam. This year, we will visit London and Edinburgh. I enjoy sports and have recommitted to a daily workout routine while balancing our family’s love of good food.
What inspired you to get involved at Elon University?
While exploring a data‑analytics partnership between HanesBrands and the Love School of Business, I was impressed by the university’s academic standards, its teaching approach and its students. Serving as an Executive in Residence feels like a great way to support student success.
What opportunities could students explore with you and HanesBrands?
I aim to mentor and advocate for students, and to involve HanesBrands as a corporate partner offering mentoring, internships and post‑graduation roles.
Fritchman will be on campus in Sankey Hall three days a week to meet with students. Her contact information will be added to the first edition of the Love School of Business newsletter.