CFO Appointment

Dr. Martens PLC

14 November 2023

 

14 November 2023

Dr. Martens plc

CFO appointment

Dr. Martens plc ('the Company') announces that Giles Wilson has been appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Giles will join Dr. Martens and take up his role in 2024, with the date to be confirmed and announced in due course.

Giles is an experienced CFO who joins Dr. Martens from William Grant & Sons Limited, one of the largest global spirits companies, owners of premium brands including Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky, The Balvenie Whisky and Hendrick's Gin. Prior to this, Giles was at John Menzies plc as CFO (2016-20), and then subsequently became CEO (2019-20). Giles qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC and previously held a senior role at Commercial Estates Group.

Paul Mason, Chair, said "Following a rigorous selection process, we are delighted to appoint Giles as CFO. He is a very capable finance leader with extensive experience in a number of sectors and, most recently, his time in the branded spirits industry has given him a good grounding in global brands and wholesale distribution management. His knowledge of the public markets will be a valuable asset to the team as Dr. Martens continues its growth in the listed environment. I look forward to him joining the Board."

Kenny Wilson, CEO, said "I am thrilled that Giles will be joining the leadership team and the Board. He brings a range of complementary skills and past experience that is highly relevant to our brand-first strategy. I am looking forward to working with him on the next phase of Dr. Martens' journey to become a £2billion revenue footwear brand."

Giles Wilson said "Dr. Martens is an iconic brand I have long admired, and I have been impressed by the passion and ambition within the business. I am excited to be joining at such an important stage in the Company's growth and I am looking forward to working with Kenny and the team to drive the strategy forward."

Jon Mortimore, who is retiring from the Company as previously announced, has agreed to stay with the business until the end of the financial year.

There are no further disclosures required in respect of this appointment pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13.

Enquiries

Investors and analysts                         

Bethany Barnes, Director of Investor Relations            [e-mail]    [phone]

Beth Callum, Senior Investor Relations Analyst            [e-mail]  [phone]

Press                                               

H/Advisors Maitland                                                  [phone]

   Clinton Manning                                                       [phone]

Gill Hammond, Director of Communications                                        [phone]

Notes

Remuneration Arrangements

Giles Wilson's remuneration arrangements have been set in accordance with the Directors' Remuneration Policy detailed in the FY23 Annual Report.  Further details will be set out in the Directors' Remuneration Report for FY24.

About Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens is an iconic British brand founded in 1960 in Northamptonshire. Produced originally for workers looking for tough, durable boots, the brand was quickly adopted by diverse youth subcultures and associated musical movements. Dr. Martens has since transcended its working-class roots while still celebrating its proud heritage and, six decades later, "Docs" or "DM's" are worn by people around the world who use them as a symbol of empowerment and their own individual attitude. The Company is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index.

 

END