Gymshark poaches Adidas exec for new GM of Wholesale and Retail role

Gymshark has appointed Hannah Mercer to the newly created role of General Manager, Wholesale and Retail.

Mercer joins Gymshark following over six years at Adidas as Global Vice President where she "masterminded and executed" the brand’s global retail strategy.

Prior to Adidas she spent seven years at Nike, lastly as Senior Director of Retail and Franchise operations. She has also held senior roles at Harrods and House of Fraser.

In her new role, Mercer will be responsible for the growth of the Gymshark business across all physical channels "to represent the best of the brand globally" - driving market share and optimising turnover through consumer conversion. She will report into Chief Brand Officer, Noel Mack.

Ben Francis, Founder and CEO of Gymshark, said: "It’s no secret that we are looking to build on the success of our flagship store in Regent Street and massively turn up the volume on our omnichannel strategy. And I can think of no better person to lead this charge than Hannah.

"She’s obviously got pretty much unparalleled experience in the retail industry, but her appetite for genuine community-led initiatives, as well as her commitment to inclusivity and diversity, make her such an exciting signing for Gymshark. I cannot wait to see the boost she is going to bring to us all."

Mercer added: "I’ve been watching the Gymshark story closely for a number of years now and it was really the only brand I would have chosen to join. Its strategy of moving from solely an e-com business to being fully omnichannel is bold to say the least. But it’s this boldness, this ambition, this relentless pursuit of building communities coupled with global expansion across all channels, that makes me so excited to join such a dynamic brand.

“I cannot wait to get started, continue the great work that started in Regent Street and play my part in making Gymshark a true global powerhouse.”

Mercer is the latest in a series of senior appointments at Gymshark, following Mat Dunn joining from ASOS as Chief Financial Officer, Carly Natalizia (formerly O’Brien) joining from The Very Group as Chief Digital Officer and Laurent Madeleine joining from Lacoste as Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Gymshark has also appointed Kim Dolder, formerly of Abercrombie & Fitch, to General Manager, North America to lead its American expansion.