Hunter Boot names new chief executive

Footwear and apparel company Hunter Boot has appointed James Seuss as its new global president and chief executive officer as the brand looks to continue its global growth.Seuss has previously held various senior positions in the luxury

goods sector, most recently as chief executive officer at watch retailer Tourneau, where he generated strong sales and profit growth, and redefined the watch buying experience, with a new retail store concept rollout and online experience.

He has also held positions at Cole Haan, a global luxury footwear brand wholly-owned by Nike, spent four years at the Gucci Group as the chief executive officer of Stella McCartney, and worked at Tiffany & Co.

Commenting on his appointment, Suess, said: "Hunter represents a compelling opportunity to develop a unique British Heritage brand into a global lifestyle brand. With a foundation built on a world-class team, we plan to strengthen our footwear offering while developing relevant product line extensions.

“Building upon the broad appeal and recognition of the iconic Hunter wellington, we will use the DNA of the brand and its 1856 heritage to expand into new markets and product categories."

Oliver Haarmann, Chairman of Hunter, added:  “We are delighted that James will be joining Hunter as CEO. His unique blend of footwear and fashion expertise will be integral to the continued global growth and development of the Hunter brand.”

Suess will join Hunter Boots in December and will remain on the board of Tourneau.

Established in 1856, as the North British Rubber Company, Hunter is renowned globally for the creation of the iconic original green Wellington boot, which was first produced in 1955. Since then it has go on to become a global leader in outdoor footwear, at the year-end December 31, 2011 the company reported a turnover of 78 million Pounds.