END appoints Parker Gundersen as new CEO

Luxury streetwear and sportswear retailer END has appointed Parker Gundersen as its new CEO to oversee its “next phase of growth”, succeeding founders Christiaan Ashworth and John Parker, who “will remain in key positions” on the board of directors.

The move follows last year’s majority investment in END by global investment firm Carlyle.

Gundersen was formerly President of Retail Operations at LVMH subsidiary DFS Group, and has also been the CEO of ZALORA, a leading fashion e-commerce player in Asia. He has over 20 years of multinational leadership experience spanning retail, luxury goods, e-commerce and strategy consulting.

In a statement released today, founders Ashworth and Parker said: “END has continued to advance its strategic growth plans since the investment by Carlyle. In the last year we have substantially increased our capabilities in digital and marketing, opened a new flagship store in Newcastle, built out our senior leadership team, launched our womenswear platform and continued to develop our unique relationship with brands and customers alike.

“We feel the time is right to transition fully to the board and support the next generation of leaders in continuing to develop the END brand, curation, community and platform on a global stage.

“Parker’s unique background in international luxury retail, as well as his expertise in both offline and online channels, makes him particularly well-suited for this position.”

As part of the transition, Ashworth will be nominated as Vice Chairman and work closely with Chairman Patrizio di Marco, who joined the company in 2021. Both Ashworth and Parker will “play active roles on the board and support the team in realising key strategic growth initiatives”.

Gundersen has been appointed to the END board of directors with immediate effect, and “will transition fully into the CEO role later in the summer”.