Global Brand Executive Selected as Wilson College 2026 Commencement Speaker

Ken Ohashi, brand chief executive officer of Brooks Brothers and Nautica, will deliver the commencement address to the Wilson College Class of 2026 during the College’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

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Ohashi is a widely respected global executive with more than 30 years of experience in fashion, consumer products, retail and business development. He currently serves as brand chief executive officer of Brooks Brothers, the iconic 208‑year‑old company with more than $1 billion in global sales and a presence in more than 600 retail locations worldwide. Ohashi led the highly publicized acquisition of Brooks Brothers and guided the brand’s transformation, returning it to profitability in less than two years. In January 2026, he was also named brand chief executive officer of Nautica, where he is leading efforts to reinvigorate the global lifestyle brand founded in 1983.

“Ken Ohashi exemplifies innovative leadership, resilience, and purpose,” said Wilson College President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. “His career reflects the power of adaptability, strategic thinking and a deep commitment to people, making his message especially meaningful for our graduates as they prepare to lead lives of impact.”

Prior to joining Brooks Brothers, Ohashi served as president of international and global retail for Authentic Brands Group, overseeing brand management, business development, and marketing for a $4 billion global portfolio outside the United States. He also helped form SPARC Group, a joint venture with Simon Property Group that supports more than 4,000 worldwide retail locations and an e-commerce platform.

Ohashi previously held senior leadership roles at Aéropostale, where he drove international expansion into 17 countries, and earlier served as vice president of investor and media relations, playing a key role in the company’s public offerings. He began his career at Arthur Andersen LLP and is a certified public accountant.

A passionate advocate for equity and access to education, Ohashi has led partnerships supporting first‑generation and underrepresented students and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. His work has earned recognition from Institutional Investor, Bloomberg, Gold House and the Asian American Business Development Center.