Dr. Martens plc reported that Kenny Wilson decided this is his final year as CEO. As part of an orderly succession plan and following a thorough search process, the Board promoted its chief brand officer (CBO), Ije Nwokorie, as his successor.

“I am thrilled that I will be the next CEO of Dr. Martens,” said Nwokorie. “We have a phenomenal brand, an excellent product range and a passionate culture. I am looking forward to working with Kenny through this transition year.”

The company said Nwokorie and Wilson will work together to ensure a smooth handover, with Nwokorie becoming CEO before the end of the current financial year. Nwokorie will remain in the CBO role in the interim, focusing on the brand and driving demand ahead of the critical Fall 2024 season.

“Kenny’s contribution to Dr. Martens has been immense,” company Chair Paul Mason offered. “He has spearheaded a brand-first DTC-driven strategy, achieving significant growth, with pairs more than doubling during his tenure. His focus on product, brand, and custodianship has instilled a strong culture throughout the organization. I am grateful he will ensure an orderly transition to Ije over the coming year alongside our incoming CFO Giles Wilson.”

Lynne Weedall, senior independent director and chair of the Nomination Committee, said “Ije is an inspirational leader and his experience in helping drive DTC-led growth at Apple will be highly relevant in the coming years. He knows the company well, having been a non-executive director for three years, and we are already benefiting from his brand expertise since he joined as CBO in February. We are delighted that he will be the next CEO.”

Wilson added, “Dr. Martens is an incredible brand powered by our fantastic people. After six years in the role, I feel the time is right to hand over this year, and I am excited that Ije will be my successor. I have enjoyed working with Ije, both as a Board member and in the executive leadership team, in recent months, and I have seen his brand knowledge and passion first-hand. I look forward to working with him closely in the year ahead.”

Image courtesy Dr. Martens plc