Kathy Ireland

Kathy Ireland is an internationally acclaimed entrepreneur, author, designer, humanitarian, and business leader whose remarkable journey from supermodel to global business powerhouse has made her one of the most respected and influential businesswomen in the world. Renowned for her vision, integrity, and commitment to serving others, Ireland has transformed a highly visible career in fashion and entertainment into an extraordinary business legacy that spans multiple industries and, according to Forbes, generates billions of dollars in retail sales.

Ireland’s fashion career began on the covers of leading publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Teen, culminating in her appearance on what remains the best-selling Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover of all time. While her modeling career made her a household name, it is her entrepreneurial vision that has ultimately defined her legacy.

In 1993, Kathy founded her licensing company with a mission of delivering quality, value, and solutions that improve everyday life for families. What began as a single product initiative evolved into one of the world’s most successful brand licensing enterprises, spanning home furnishings, flooring, lighting, fashion, accessories, wellness, financial services, and numerous other consumer categories. According to Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Kathy Ireland built “the most valuable woman-owned licensing company in American history,” underscoring her entrepreneurial vision and decades of sustained business growth.

Continuing her commitment to entrepreneurship and the next generation of business leaders, Kathy is the co-founder of Ireland Founders Circle (IFC), a private educational platform and curated business ecosystem created to support founders and leaders through mentorship, strategic resources, capital readiness, and access to a trusted network of advisors and peers. She is also Co-Founder of Next Generation Growth Advisors, an impact-driven growth advisory firm that partners with visionary founders and companies to accelerate growth through strategy, relationships, creative and brand development, and pathways to capital.

A visionary leader responsible for billions of dollars in retail sales, Kathy has appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine three times, an achievement that speaks to her extraordinary success as an entrepreneur and business leader. She was also ranked No. 1 in Lifestyle in Forbes magazine’s prestigious 50 Over 50 ranking.

Kathy’s groundbreaking contributions to brand licensing and consumer products have earned some of the industry’s highest honors, including induction into the Licensing International Hall of Fame—at the time, the youngest individual ever inducted—as well as the prestigious ICON Award from the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA).

A lifelong advocate for women and youth in sports, Kathy’s leadership has extended into some of the nation’s most influential sports organizations. She is the first woman invited to serve on the Board of Directors of NFL Players Inc. (NFLPI), the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association, where she completed two consecutive terms—the full term limit. Kathy currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Football Foundation (NFF).

Beyond business and sports, Kathy is deeply committed to philanthropy and humanitarian causes. She devotes significant time and resources to organizations focused on children’s health, education, women’s empowerment, family services, mental health, religious freedom, and childhood cancer research. Her advocacy has earned numerous honors, including the inaugural International Religious Freedom Business Champion Award presented at the 2021 IRF Summit in Washington, D.C.

Kathy’s current philanthropic leadership includes service on the Board of Directors of the nonprofit AnGeL Ministries, as well as her work with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Hardwired Global, and Providence School, which she co-founded.

A sought-after speaker, bestselling author, and trusted advisor, Kathy frequently shares insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, faith, philanthropy, and purpose.

Reflecting on Kathy’s impact, Rich Wuerthele, CEO of Crayola, observed: “Kathy Ireland has built a powerful company by leading with integrity and putting people ahead of profit, which is why the kathy ireland® brand is trusted by parents and families worldwide.”