Dr Martens hire new chief executive
TRENDY boot maker Dr Martens has hired a chief executive from the US company behind the Ugg Australia brand.
Briton Steve Murray will join the Northamptonshire-based footwear business in October from New York-listed Deckers Outdoor, which also makes Sanuk and Mozo.
For the last three years he has been president of its Europe, Middle East and Asia operations and before that worked for VF Corporation, which owns Vans, Timberland and Wrangler.
While the last few years have seen tremendous growth for Dr Martens I believe that many opportunities exist beyond the current channels, markets and product lines
He will replace David Suddens who has been chief executive of Dr Martens for 12 years and is to become non-executive chairman of the company.
Private equity group Permira bought the firm for £300million in January.
Murray said: “It’s one of the great, iconic footwear brands worldwide and in addition one of the most identifiable British brands across any product category. While the last few years have seen tremendous growth for Dr Martens I believe that many opportunities exist beyond the current channels, markets and product lines.”
The company also named Henrik Holmark of Danish jewellers Pandora as chief financial officer.