Clarks hired Bob Neville, most recently global vice president of retail at Under Armour, as managing director for the U.K. and Ireland, effective August 2023.

Neville worked as global vice president of retail at Under Armour since January 2021 and global head of retail at New Balance from 2008 to 2019. He also worked as the global and regional retail director at Adidas between 1993 and 2003.

Neville returns to the U.K. from Hong Kong, where he has worked for 30 years throughout the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on China.

Neville replaces Joe Ulloa, who stepped down as managing director of the U.K., Ireland and MEA (Middle East and Africa) in April.

In his new role at Clarks, Neville will drive growth in existing markets and expand into new territories as Clarks enters its third century of business.

Clarks chief executive Jon Ram said, “Bob brings significant global retail and brand creative experience to Clarks. He builds great teams and empowers them to create exceptional consumer experiences. As we look to build on our recent good company performance, Bob will play a leading role in delivering our strategic goals and growing our business in the U.K. & ROI. We will also build out our global retail center of excellence under his leadership.”

Neville said “Clarks is an iconic brand known the world over for its innovation, expertise and craftsmanship. I’m really looking forward to getting started, growing the brand, increasing our retail presence and, most importantly, to continue delivering Clarks’ customers the best experience possible.”