Dr. Martens appoints Ije Nwokorie to new Chief Brand Officer role

Global footwear brand, Dr. Martens, has announced that Ije Nwokorie has been appointed to the newly created role of Chief Brand Officer, effective 1 February 2024. As a result, Nwokorie will step down as a Non-Executive Director and as a member of the Audit and Risk, Nomination and Disclosure committees.

The newly-created role of Chief Brand Officer will be a key member of the global leadership team. He will oversee the overall brand strategy, vision and direction, reporting directly to CEO Kenny Wilson.

Kenny Wilson, CEO at Dr. Martens, commented: “Ije is a visionary brand storyteller and this, along with his infectious passion for Dr. Martens, makes him the ideal person to lead the next era of our brand development. I am delighted that he will be joining my team in the permanent full-time position of Chief Brand Officer, which will be a crucial role to enable us to become a £2 billion revenue brand.”

Nwokorie will join Dr. Martens from Apple Inc, where he has been Senior Director of Apple Retail since January 2018. Prior to this, he spent 11 years at global brand consultancy Wolff Olins, with his most recent role being CEO. He is currently also Chair of the non-profit organisation charity: water UK.

Ije Nwokorie said: “I've always loved Dr. Martens and it's been a real privilege getting to know the brand from the inside as a Non-Executive Director. Dr. Martens is defined by its rebellious, authentic and creative nature, all of which makes me really excited to be joining Kenny and the team early in the new year and to get to work.”

Paul Mason, Chair at Dr. Martens, added: “Ije has been a tremendous Non-Executive Director since he joined the Board in January 2021. He has deep insight and understanding of brands and has extensive global DTC experience. I am delighted that he’ll be joining the leadership team as Chief Brand Officer, a role for which he is perfectly suited.”

Earlier this week, Dr. Martens also announced that Giles Wilson was appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer, effective in 2024, with the exact date set to be confirmed.