Dr. Martens plc, the iconic footwear brand, has announced that Giles Wilson has joined the business and board as its chief financial officer (CFO). Wilson, whose appointment was announced in November 2023, will present the FY24 results of the company on May 30, 2024.
Wilson brings extensive experience in the consumer sector
Giles Wilson has nearly 20 years of experience in the consumer sector, working with both global and UK-based companies. He joins Dr. Martens from William Grant & Sons Limited, one of the largest spirits companies in the world, owners of premium brands such as Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, and Hendrick’s Gin. He served as the CFO of William Grant & Sons since 2020.
Prior to that, Wilson was the CFO and then the CEO of John Menzies plc, a global aviation services and distribution company, from 2016 to 2020. He led the transformation of the business, focusing on its core aviation division and divesting its distribution arm. He also oversaw the acquisition of ASIG, a US-based aviation services provider, in 2016.
Wilson qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC and previously held a senior role at Commercial Estates Group, a UK-based property investment and development company.
Wilson joins Dr. Martens at a time of strong growth and expansion
Dr. Martens, which was founded in 1947 by Klaus Märtens and Herbert Funck, is known for its distinctive leather boots with yellow stitching and air-cushioned soles. The brand has a loyal fan base across generations and cultures, and has been associated with various music and youth movements, such as punk, grunge, and indie.
Dr. Martens has been growing rapidly in recent years, expanding its product range, distribution channels, and geographic presence. The company reported a revenue of £672.2 million and an EBITDA of £184.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2023, representing a growth of 18 percent and 30 percent respectively from the previous year.
The company also completed a successful initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange in January 2024, raising £1.3 billion and valuing the company at £3.7 billion. The company’s shares have risen by more than 50 percent since the IPO, reflecting the strong demand and confidence in the brand.
Wilson looks forward to working with the Dr. Martens team
Wilson said he was delighted to join Dr. Martens, a brand that he admires and respects. He said he was impressed by the company’s performance, strategy, and culture, and looked forward to working with the team to deliver long-term sustainable growth.
“I am delighted to be joining Dr. Martens, a brand I have long admired and respected. The business has delivered an impressive performance over recent years, driven by a clear strategy and a strong culture. I look forward to working with Kenny, the board and the wider team to continue to build on this success and deliver long-term sustainable growth for all our stakeholders,” Wilson said in a press release.
Dr. Martens’ CEO Kenny Wilson welcomed Giles Wilson as a valuable addition to the company and the board. He said he was confident that Giles Wilson’s experience and skills would help the company achieve its vision and goals.
“I am very pleased to welcome Giles to Dr. Martens. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the consumer sector, both in the UK and internationally. He has a proven track record of driving growth, profitability and value creation in his previous roles. I am confident that he will be a great partner for me and the rest of the team as we continue to execute our vision and strategy for the future of Dr. Martens,” Kenny Wilson said.
