Pentland announces structural changes

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Sep 28, 2016

UK retail group Pentland Brands has revealed a shake-up of its top management in a move to streamline its structure. The privately-owned company behind brands such as Berghaus, Caterbury and Speedo announced in Wednesday that Chris Stephenson, currently CEO of Canterbury, has been appointed to lead the Active division and Richard Newcombe, currently Brand President for Lacoste Chaussures, will lead the Footwear division, effective from January 2017.

Chirag Patel, currently Global Vice President of Product & Marketing at Lacoste Chaussures, has been appointed to the role of Director of Global Strategy, taking responsibility for the strategic shape and growth of the Pentland brand portfolio.

Andy Long CEO of Pentland Brands said: “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.  It will help us to manage the overall portfolio better and simplify how we work with partners and retailers.”

Additionally, the UK company announced the forthcoming departure of Speedo President David Robinson, and Marco Ellerker, currently President of the Lifestyle Division. Both executives will remain with Pentland over the next few months to support the transition to this new structure.

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