Giles Wilson to step into the role of CFO at Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens has announced that Giles Wilson has been appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer, effective in 2024, with the exact date set to be confirmed.

The experienced CFO joins Dr. Martens from William Grant & Sons Limited, one of the largest global spirits companies which owns premium brands including Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky, The Balvenie Whisky and Hendrick’s Gin.

Prior to this, Wilson was the CFO at John Menzies plc, later stepping into the role of CEO. Giles qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC and previously held a senior role at Commercial Estates Group.

Giles Wilson commented: “Dr. Martens is an iconic brand I have long admired, and I have been impressed by the passion and ambition within the business. I am excited to be joining at such an important stage in the Company’s growth and I am looking forward to working with Kenny and the team to drive the strategy forward.”

Wilson will take over from Jon Mortimore, who is retiring from the company at the end of the financial year.

Giles Wilson

Paul Mason, Chair of Dr. Martens, said: “Following a rigorous selection process, we are delighted to appoint Giles as CFO. He is a very capable finance leader with extensive experience in a number of sectors, and, most recently, his time in the branded spirits industry has given him a good grounding in global brands and wholesale distribution management. His knowledge of the public markets will be a valuable asset to the team as Dr. Martens continues its growth in the listed environment. I look forward to him joining the Board.”

Kenny Wilson, CEO of Dr. Martens, added: “I am thrilled that Giles will be joining the leadership team and the Board. He brings a range of complementary skills and experience that is highly relevant to our brand-first strategy. I am looking forward to working with him on the next phase of Dr. Martens’ journey to becoming a £2 billion revenue footwear brand.”

This follows a slew of recent collaborations, which saw Dr. Martens partner up with Alpha Industries, Marc Jacobs and radio station NTS, to name a few.