Dr. Martens poaches new CEO from Deckers

By

Olivier Guyot

Published
Aug 26, 2014

After 12 years at the head of Dr. Martens, David Suddens is stepping down. The British brand has announced that its CEO is getting ready to become non-executive chairman of the brand.

Starting in October, the brand will have a big name in footwear as its new CEO: Steve Murray. Since 2011, he has served as general manager of Deckers Outdoor Corporation for Europe Middle East Africa. Previously, he spent over 10 years at Vans and chaired the Action Sports division of VF Corp from 2009 to 2010.

Dr. Martens also announced the arrival of Henrik Holmark as its new CFO. He has served as CFO of the Danish jeweler Pandora since 2009.

The hires follow Permira’s acquisition of the family-owned parent company of Dr. Martens, R. Griggs, for 355 million euros (300 million pounds) in January.

At the time of the takeover, the European investment firm highlighted the international growth potential of Dr. Martens. The new management team will specifically seek to exploit that potential.