Industry Embassador Spotlight

Eli Ankutse (L’95) Pelota - Sporting Clothiers

Eli Ankutse left Repton in 2000, fuelled by the desire to combine his two passions, sport, and business. An accountancy degree then might not have been the obvious choice, and despite continuing the course at Leeds University, Eli admits that it wasn’t particularly inspiring. During an interview for a role in investment banking, it became clear that his entrepreneurial spirit would not be easily dampened, and his career path took a dramatic turn.

Fast-forward through some meaty development roles in FMCG, consultancy projects working with luxury brands such as Ferrari, sports brands such as Nike and the launch of a skincare brand, and Eli and former Repton contemporary-turnedbusiness-partner Chris Beastall (L’95) found themselves at the helm of an opportunity. Pelota was born to fill a gap in the loungewear market, focusing on the gap between sport and formal wear which they are calling “Après Sport”. Initially launching with a carefully curated range of six products, priced from £50, Eli and Chris intend to create collections based on sporting themes. Eli stresses that the quality of the products is non-negotiable, and something that was hugely important when sourcing suppliers of organic cotton, ready to be manufactured into high-end garments in London.

The OR Society recently met with Eli on possibly the worst day for a photo shoot at Repton! Howling wind and relentless rain could not stop the shoot as they set the scene in the Fives courts and in several other locations around the School. “It made complete sense for us to do our first shoot at Repton, it’s where we nurtured our love of sport, it’s part of our brand story.”

Eli has ambitious plans for the brand, along with other passion projects such as his partnership with start-up DOSE, where he is a mentor for professionals managing their personal development and mental fitness.

Find out more - www.pelota.cc