Dr Martens has appointed high-profile fashion executive Robert Hanson and key financier Benoit Vauchy as non-executive directors, effective 26 March. An “experienced executive with a strong track record of delivering growth at consumer brands” Hanson was previously CEO of John Hardy and American Eagle Outfitters.
Dr Martens
Prior to this he served for over a decade in senior roles at Levi Strauss & Co, including as president of the Americas division and, latterly, as global brand president for the Americas.
His strong background means he “brings a broad, multidisciplinary skillset and significant experience of the North American market combined with global expertise. His prior non-executive experience includes positions on the boards of Canopy Growth, Urban Outfitters and Constellation Brands”, Dr Martens said.
Benoit, meanwhile, is a partner at the company’s largest investor, global investment firm Permira, where he is a member of the Investment and Executive Committees. He has worked at Permira since 2006, and previously spent six years at JP Morgan in London and Frankfurt.
Dr Martens chairman Paul Mason said: “The expertise and experiences of both Robert and Benoit further strengthens our board. Robert has significant USA and wholesale experience and is a proven consumer brand CEO.
“Benoit is an experienced financial leader and his appointment to the Board demonstrates Permira’s commitment to Dr Martens.”
Hiking footwear brand Merrell announced on Monday the appointment of Richard McLeod to the role of chief marketing officer.
Richard McLeod – Courtesy
Reporting to Janice Tennant, the outdoor wear shoe brand’s global brand president, McLeod will be responsible for leading Merrell’s global marketing and directing the creation of modern integrated marketing capabilities.
“I am thrilled to join Merrell, a brand with a rich heritage and global impact,” said McLeod. “I look forward to developing world class marketing strategies that inspire more people to embrace the outdoors, connect with the brand, and drive the brand’s future growth.”
With over two decades of senior leadership experience under his belt, McLeod joins Wolverine Worldwide-owned Merrell from Champion, where he most recently vice president, chief marketing officer. Prior to Champion, McLeod was senior vice president of brand at Canada Goose.
“Rich is widely recognized as a consumer-obsessed leader and builder of talent with a track record of growing brands through strong consumer demand creation and retail execution,” said Tennant. “Rich’s depth of experience will help position Merrell for long-term growth.”
McLeod’s appointment comes two months Merrell named Noreen Naroo-Pucci as its new chief product officer.
In its most recent trading update last November, parent company Wolverine said revenue fell 16.6% to $440.2 million for the third quarter ended September 28, on the back of a double-digit dip across its Saucony and Wolverine brand sales.
However, Merrell sales climbed 1.4% to $159.2 million for the quarterly period, proving a bright sport for its Michigan-based parent.
Levi Strauss & Co. announced on Tuesday a series of strategic leadership changes designed to accelerate its transformation into a best-in-class omnichannel retailer.
Levi’s announces leadership changes. – Levi’s
Notably, Karyn Hillman, chief product officer, will now oversee merchandising in addition to design. She will be responsible for the overall vision and roadmap for Levi’s products. Jason Gowans role has also been expanded becoming the newly appointed chief digital and technology officer. He will oversee both digital and enterprise technology functions to streamline processes and unify data.
Likewise, Harmit Singh, chief financial and growth officer, will now lead the company’s transformation program to enhance structural economics and profitability. Gianluca Flore, chief commercial officer, will expand his oversight to include licensing and planning, ensuring closer alignment between sales and inventory.
Bernard Bedon will join as chief human resources officer on March 3, bringing nearly 30 years of HR experience, most recently from Nike.
Lastly, Liz O’Neill, chief operations officer, has announced her retirement after nearly 12 years. Her role will be replaced by a new chief supply chain officer, focusing on agility, service levels, and cost optimization.
“Over the past year, we’ve made bold moves to transform Levi Strauss & Co. into a world-class denim lifestyle retailer, and we’re seeing the results,” said Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi’s.
“We believe success is built on clarity of purpose and the ability to adapt, and that’s exactly what we’re doing — aligning our structure with our strategy to drive sustainable, profitable growth. We have built a team that is agile, focused and ready to execute on our strategies while keeping our consumer at the heart of it all. By putting our fans at the center of every decision, we are shaping Levi’s not just as the denim leader but as an iconic lifestyle brand for generations to come.”
High-end outlet specialist Bicester Village has formed an exclusive partnership with digital sustainability expert Save Your Wardrobe (SYW) to provide the mall’s members with an advanced aftercare service.
Bicester Village – Bicester Village
The partnership will see its AI-powered wardrobe management app “power a comprehensive digital experience leveraging its own advanced aftercare platform”.
Bicester Village Members can now access a range of services for the repair, alteration, and cleaning of clothing, bags, and shoes through the platform.
The customised platform features integrated automated logistics, live tracking, operational management, fluid customer communication and live data reporting “guaranteeing an efficient repair experience from booking to completion”.
Hasna Kourda, co-founder and CEO of SYW, said: “The partnership underscores the growing demand for aftercare solutions in the luxury retail space, and we’re proud to be the ones to power it.
“Our approach ensures effortless booking, smooth operations, and trusted craftsmanship, reinforcing our mission to embed circularity into the heart of the luxury shopping experience.”
In November, SWY said it made a “significant” move towards prioritising longevity in fashion by forming a similar partnership and London-based United Repair Centre to become a strategic service partner.