Global Brand Marketing Inc. is organizing its operations in the United Kingdom in order to establish direct control over its wholesale distribution, merchandising and marketing in that region. In addition, GBMI has hired Steven Price Brown to head up GBMI in the UK. In the past, GBMI has used local distributors in the UK for all of its brands.

“While GBMI’s brands have experienced great success in the U.K., we feel there is a great deal of untapped potential,” said Killick Datta, Chief Executive Officer of Global Brand Marketing Inc. “We are committed to developing a world class business overseas, building upon the success we are experiencing in the U.S. Already a global leader in lifestyle footwear, we are aggressively moving into the European marketplace where we are seeing tremendous demand for each of GBMI’s brands.”

Mr. Price Brown comes to GBMI with over 15 years experience in the fashion industry as a respected brand building specialist with expertise in all areas of running a successful footwear business. Most recently, Price Brown successfully launched Ed Hardy & Bensimon footwear in the U.K. through his consultancy firm SevenYearTrip, which also included consulting for Gorland Ltd (D&G, Just Cavalli, Versace) and several UK brands such as Carter and Lambretta. He has also held positions as Sales & Marketing Director for French Connection; Sales and Product Development Manager for ISA Holdings; and European Export Manager for Dr. Martens.

Reporting to Roelof de Leeuw, Managing Director for GBMI Europe based in Amsterdam, Price Brown will be responsible for all sales, marketing, operational and logistical aspects of managing GBMI’s expansion in that region.

“The U.K. division is an important venture for GBMI, a necessary step that requires a powerful team,” said Roelof de Leeuw. “We are eager to commence operations with Steven, and with his impressive record of growing businesses, we are certain that he will build on our tremendous opportunity and bring our international franchise to the next level.”