Pentland Brands, Ltd. promoted Matt Rock to president, Americas, Pentland Brands, overseeing Speedo and the company’s portfolio, including Endura and Mitre for the Americas region.
Rock, formerly Pentland Brand president for the Asia Pacific, started his career in sales for Puma and was hired by Pentland Brands in 2005 as sales director for Ted Baker footwear. He was promoted to managing director in 2007 and, during that time, increased distribution from eight to 28 markets.
Rock joined the Pentland Brands executive team, as global supply chain director, in 2015 and was promoted to president for the Asia Pacific in 2018, responsible for its global supply chain and the regional commercial teams. During this time, Rock transitioned both functions into multi-brand operations and led the development of a ‘digital first’ China strategy.
Rock replaces Jim Gerson, who is retiring at the end of 2022 after the successful transition of the Speedo North America business from PVH Corp. into Pentland Brands.
Tom Whitmer, formerly executive vice president of operations, Americas, was promoted to chief operating officer, Americas. Abhy Thomas-Joseph replaced Rock as president of Asia Pacific, and Charlotte Cox continues as president, EMEA.
Chirag Patel, CEO, Pentland Brands said, “The acquisition and transition of the Speedo North America business mean we are now a truly global organization. With strong leadership teams now in place across our three key regions—North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe—we’re in a great position to deliver on our ambition to build a global portfolio of pioneering brands that make life better.”
In 2020, following its acquisition of the Speedo North America business from PVH Corp., Pentland Brands outlined its plans to drive an increased emphasis on sustainability and opportunities for its core brands Speedo, Berghaus, Endura, Ellesse, and SeaVees in the U.S. market.
Photo courtesy Pentland Brands/Matt Rock
