SuperGroup founder Holder to head up SuperDesign Lab

SuperGroup founder and brand and design director James Holder is stepping down from his current role to lead the SuperDesign Lab, a design hot house created to drive product innovation exclusively for SuperGroup.

The move will see Holder step down as a director and employee of SuperGroup in order to focus on his design consultancy and to allow him to spend more time on his personal interests, a statement from the retailer confirmed.

Commenting on his new role, Holder said: "We have significantly strengthened the design team over the past 18 months and the Heads of Menswear & Womenswear have been driving the design of the core ranges during this period which has allowed me to concentrate on new innovation.

“To add further focus to this I will lead the creation of the SuperDesign Lab which will allow the business to accelerate its programme of innovation. I look forward to supporting the continued extension of the Superdry brand and am particularly excited about the growth potential for our sportswear and premium product ranges. I remain totally committed to and passionate about the Superdry brand.”

Holder will step down from the board on June 1, from which time the heads of design for menswear and womenswear will report to SuperGroup chief executive Euan Sutherland.

SuperGroup founder and product and brand director, Julian Dunkerton, added: "It has been a pleasure to work alongside James to deliver SuperGroup's development and growth. I am delighted that we will retain his brand innovation skills under an exclusive agreement, while allowing him more flexibility to explore his personal interests.

“With clear opportunities to grow Superdry even further, I remain very enthusiastic about continuing to work alongside Euan, the wider SuperGroup team and James on the next exciting phase of our journey.”

Image: SuperDry Facebook