Hunter CEO departs as brand starts strategic review

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jun 10, 2020

Vincent Wauters is out as chief executive at Hunter after a four-year stint leading the premium footwear brand, the company said Wednesday.

His departure is the result of “a mutual agreement” as Hunter begins a strategic review to best position itself for long-term growth.

Wauters will be leaving his role on 31 July and Paolo Porta will assume his responsibilities on an interim basis until a new CEO is appointed. He is joining the brand from Jimmy Choo, where he was senior VP of merchandising and licensing.

And Porta is not the only one taking on a new role at the British retailer. Andrew Lawley, who has been acting as chief restructuring officer during a recent refinancing, has been appointed as executive chairman. He has “considerable experience” in business strategy, growth and transformation, having held multiple senior roles as leading companies including Dixons Carphone.

The management reshuffle marks the start of a new chapter for the company following a £16.5 million cash injection from Goldman Sachs. Searchlight and Pentland Group also contributed. Hurt by unfavourable weather conditions in the US, coupled with the Covid-19 outbreak, a strategic review has been launched to uncover the brand’s e-commerce potential. The process will look at all aspects of the business, with the aim of identifying new opportunities for growth.

Commenting on his departure, Wauters said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to lead Hunter over the last four years and, together we achieved so much. I would like to thank the fantastic team for their dedication in making all this possible. There are few brands like Hunter in the world and I will continue to watch the business closely as it continues its growth in the years to come.”

Porta added: “Vincent has achieved incredible success during his time at Hunter, transforming the company into the global business it is today. With our recently strengthened balance sheet and support of our shareholders, the board and senior leadership team look forward to driving Hunter’s successful multi-geography, multi-channel offering forward.”