Pentland Brands will see a change in its executive leadership with Joe Spies set to become president of the Americas this month. The announcement comes as Matt Rock, the current president of the Americas, steps down after a 19-year tenure with the company.
Rock’s career with Pentland Brands began in 2005 when he was hired as sales director for Ted Baker footwear, later advancing to the brand’s managing director. He became global supply chain director in 2015 and then president of the Asia Pacific in 2018, where he led global supply chain and regional commercial teams. In 2022, Rock was responsible for integrating the Speedo North America business into Pentland Brands’ global operations and selecting a local leader for the Americas division.
Pentland Brands reported that “Rock leaves an indelible mark on the company’s culture, fostering strong and lasting relationships not only within his teams and colleagues but also with vendors, partners and retail customers.”
Stepping into the role of president of the Americas, Spies, formerly the senior vice president of sales for Pentland Brands North America, brings over 17 years of experience from his tenure at Converse, including his last role as vice president of its wholesale business for North America. Spies’ expertise “spans sales, merchandising, product, and strategy.” His strong market and commercial credentials “make him the ideal leader to drive Pentland Brands’ vision and growth ambitions in the Americas,” said the company in a release.
Chirag Patel, chief executive officer at Pentland Brands, said, “We’re incredibly grateful for Matt’s leadership, dedication and contributions to Pentland Brands over the years. As we bid farewell to Matt, we also look forward to the energy, vision and leadership Joe Spies will bring as we move into a new phase of innovation and growth for our brands across the Americas region.”
Image courtesy Pentland Brands, Joe Spies (left), Matt Rock (right)
