Gymshark appoints new Chief Commercial Officer to drive US expansion

Gymshark has appointed Kim Dolder, previously its General Manager of North America, as Chief Commercial Officer to help accelerate the sportswear brand’s expansion in the US.

Dolder will report to Gymshark’s founder and CEO, Ben Francis, and will continue to operate out of the brand’s New York office.

In her new role, Dolder will "ensure that Gymshark has the single architecture in place to become a fully omnichannel enterprise".

She will be responsible for creating and implementing strategies that drive revenues, introducing new products, and scaling new business channels.

The news follows the recent appointments of Sian Keane as Chief People Officer, who joined from Farfetch, Carly Natalizia (formerly O’Brien), who joined from The Very Group as Chief Digital Officer, and Hannah Mercer, who joined Gymshark from Adidas as General Manager, Wholesale & Retail.

It also comes after the announcement last week that 11 Bond Street in New York will be home to Gymshark’s first US flagship store, with an opening date yet to be revealed.

Ben Francis said: "If we are to become an iconic 100-year brand, there are two things we can’t compromise on - being global and being omnichannel. To achieve them, we need a Chief Commercial Officer who can be the architect to create the blueprint to get us there.

"I can think of no one better than Kim to step into this role. Kim is our first Chief based in the US, so this serves as a real sign of intent of our global ambitions. Since joining, she has already added so much value to our North American operations and her experience, insight and sheer will to win will definitely take Gymshark to new heights."

Prior to joining Gymshark as General Manager of North America in May 2024, Dolder spent four and a half years at Abercrombie & Fitch Co. as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gilly Hicks. She has also held senior director and management roles at Under Armour and Target in the US.

Dolder said: "Gymshark has had an unbelievable 12 years as, predominantly, an e-commerce company. But it’s no secret that we are pivoting to become an omnichannel organisation.

"So, to step into the CCO’s shoes and play a role in evolving the incredible brand we’ve built so far, building our retail footprint and expanding our wholesale and franchise partnerships, is beyond exciting.

"I’ve worked in apparel for 20 years at some amazing brands, but I’ve never had more clarity about the opportunity in front of me and, well, it feels like it's all been leading to this."