LONDON — Following a five-year expansion plan, Dr. Martens has appointed Kenny Wilson as chief executive officer. He will succeed Steve Murray, who stepped down in October after three years in the role.
Wilson is currently ceo at Cath Kidston, where he doubled sales and expanded the brand’s international presence across Asia and India. He was previously Levi’s president of the brand in Europe, and president of the accessories retailer Claire’s. He joined Cath Kidston as ceo in 2011.
“Kenny brings with him a wealth of experience of working for high-profile, well-known, international brands and will be a fantastic leader for our already strong management team,” said Paul Mason, chairman of Dr. Martens.
The footwear company said Wilson will be responsible for expanding the company’s direct-to-consumer operations across the U.K., continental Europe and Asia. The British shoe brand currently trades across 63 countries with 95 globally owned stores.
“As we enter the next phase of Dr. Martens’ history, we are well placed to deliver on our strategic priorities and continue to achieve sustainable, global growth and Kenny is the right person to lead our business through this,” said Mason.