Pentland Brands makes series of executive changes

London - UK retail company Pentland Brands has made a series of changes within its executive team in order to integrate its internal organisation.

The group, which owns labels such as Speedo, Berghaus and Red or Dead, has appointed Chris Stephenson, current Chief Executive Officer at Canterbury as the leader of its Active Division. The company has also named Richard Newcombe, Brand President for Lacoste Chaussures as head of its Footwear Division. Both Stephenson and Newcombe are set to begin their new roles within the company January 2017.

In addition, the group has promoted Chirag Patel, current Global Vice President of Product and Marketing at Lacoste Chaussures to Director of Global Strategy. In his new role, which is set to begin October 1, Patel will be in charge of overseeing the strategic form and growth of the Pentland Brands group portfolio. The changes coincidence with the impending departure of two of Pentland Brands Presidents.

“Our consumers and our customers are changing, and we need to change with them. These changes remove complexity in how we work and make us more agile and effective in the way we go after growth opportunities and integrate new brands into the Pentland family,” said Andy Long, CEO of Pentland Brands in a statement.

“It will help us to manage the overall portfolio better and simplify how we work with partners and retailers. One of the great benefits of our family ownership structure is our ability to plan and build for the long term, and to do business in a way that we can all be proud of.”

Pentland Brands has also revealed two departures among its executive team following its new appointments. David Robinson, Speedo President, and Marco Ellerker, President of the Lifestyle Division, are both set to exit their roles at Pentlands. However, both executives have agreed to remain on board for the next few months to ensure a smooth transition into the new executive structure.

“David and Marco have made outstanding contributions to Pentland during their time with us, and will always remain members of our extended family,” added Long. “We wish them all the best for the future, and are very grateful for the support they are giving to the current transition process.”

Photos: Chris Stephenson, head of the Active Division, Richard Newcombe, head of the Footwear Division, Chirag Patel, Director of Global Strategy. Courtesy of Pentland Brands.