Bentonville company Junk Brands names Craig Mahan new president

Bentonville apparel and manufacturing business Junk Brands announced Tuesday (March 28) that Craig Mahan is the company’s new president.

Mahan replaces Craig Lile. For nearly six years, Lile led the multimillion-dollar business known for its athletic headbands in various styles and patterns. He resigned earlier this year. Mahan had been the interim president.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Junk Brands and to lead such a dedicated team,” he said. “I am passionate about our products and our commitment to providing our customers with the highest-quality functional accessories to complement their active lifestyles.”

Mahan earned an accounting degree and an MBA from the University of Arkansas and worked for an accounting firm for three years before working for the headwear apparel company Outdoor Cap in Bentonville. Kourtney and Beau Barrett launched Junk Brands in 2011, then sold the business to Outdoor Cap in 2017.

Mahan’s background is in financial accounting. Most recently, he was Outdoor Cap’s head of strategic development. His father, Paul Mahan, is Outdoor Cap’s founder and chairman.

“Craig has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovative thinking during his time at Outdoor Cap,” CEO Jeanelle Harris said. “He approaches every challenge with a strategic mindset and a focus on finding solutions. I look forward to the future of Junk Brands under Craig’s leadership.”

In a news release, Mahan said his immediate goals at Junk Brands are to “grow the loyal customer base, deepen current strategic partnership, and lean into the active lifestyle focus of the brand.”