About Jack Ward

Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Jack Ward served as Chairman and CEO of Russell Corporation from 1998 to 2006, a $1.4 billion international sporting goods company, with brands including Russell Athletic, Spalding, and Brooks Athletic. Before joining Russell, he was CEO of Sara Lee Corporation’s multibillion-dollar Hanes Group of Companies. Earlier in his career, he worked for Procter and Gamble, H.J. Heinz, and Legg’s Products (a division of Sara Lee).

He has served on several for-profit and nonprofit boards. In 2007, he joined the KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools board, served as board chair from 2012-2014, and became an honorary board member in 2016. Jack earned his B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from Cornell University.

Why I love KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools: Supporting scholars in their journey for an excellent education and success in life.