Deichmann UK Managing Director to step down after 12 years

Simon Wilson is set to step down as Managing Director of Deichmann UK after more than a decade with the business, with the footwear giant confirming a new leadership structure will take effect from this autumn.

In a statement shared with TheIndustry.fashion, the German footwear retailer said: "Managing Director Simon Wilson has decided to leave Deichmann UK after 12 years with the business to pursue other opportunities outside of the Deichmann Group.

"We would like to thank Simon Wilson for his dedication and efforts in growing Deichmann in the UK."

Wilson will officially remain in post until 30 September 2025, with the UK business to be jointly led going forward by CEO Marko Josifoski and CFO Chris Holden.

Wilson joined Deichmann in 2012 as International Sales Director based in Germany, having previously worked at Lidl for over five years. In 2014, he relocated to the UK as Buying and Marketing Director, before being promoted to Managing Director in January 2023.

Simon Wilson

His time at the helm coincided with a period of renewed growth for Deichmann’s UK division. In the full year to 31 December 2023, the business posted a 14% rise in sales.

Store expansion was another area of focus under Wilson’s leadership. Deichmann now has  over 130  stores throughout the UK, with flagships at Westfield London, Westfield Stratford, Birmingham and Glasgow Argyle.