Hunter CEO exits as the brand continues restructure

British boot and outerwear brand Hunter, has revealed that Chief Executive Vincent Wauters will leave his role on 31 July 2020 to pursue new opportunities.

Wauters joined Hunter in 2016 from Canadian premium outerwear Arc’teryx, where he was President.

Paolo Porta, formerly of Jimmy Choo, will assume Wauters’ responsibilities while a search for a new, full-time CEO takes place.

Porta was formerly Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Licensing at Jimmy Choo and “will bring considerable international experience in merchandising, licensing, brand development, distribution and retail management,” Hunter said in a statement.

Andrew Lawley, who stepped into the role of Executive Chairman at Hunter earlier this week, will oversee the launch of the business strategic review with Porta.

Both Lawley and Porta will steer Hunter’s business strategic review that will cover all aspects of the business, following last week’s £16.5 million cash injection to support the retailer’s future growth and to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to lead Hunter over the last four years and, together we achieved so much,” Wauters said.

“I would like to thank the fantastic team for their dedication in making all this possible. There are few brands like Hunter in the world and I will continue to watch the business closely as it continues its' growth in the years to come.”