Dr Martens appoints former Carphone Warehouse CEO as Non-Exec Director

British footwear brand Dr Martens announced today that Andrew Harrison will join the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective 1 May 2023.

Harrison is joining the 1960-founded footwear brand from his current role as Managing Partner at consumer brand investment firm Freston Ventures. He is also the Senior Independent Director at Ocado Group and joint owner of online grocer Ocado Retail Limited.

He built his executive career over more than two decades at Carphone Warehouse, where he served as Chief Executive Officer and Chair. As a member of the early founding team, he drove the growth and international expansion of Carphone Warehouse from a small, privately owned retailer to established market leader.

Paul Mason, Chairman of Dr Martens, said: "I am delighted to welcome Andrew to the Dr. Martens Board. He brings a wealth of expertise of consumer facing and technology focused businesses and a highly entrepreneurial mindset.

"His significant prior experience as both a Chief Executive and Non-Executive Director of large, listed companies will bolster the Board and will be invaluable to the business as we embark on the next chapter of the Dr. Martens story."

On joining the Board, Andrew will also become a member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees.

This follows the news that Dr Martens' profit declined, despite rising sales, due to its investments in new stores. The company's pre-tax profit fell 5% to £57.9m in the six months to 30 September 2022, while EBITDA remained flat year-on-year at £88.8m, despite underlying revenue being up 18% to £418.6m for the six months.