Hunter CEO steps down ahead of strategic review

The CEO of global footwear and outdoor lifestyle brand Hunter Boot Ltd, is to step down from his role next month as the company prepares to launch a business strategic review.

Vincent Wauters will step down on 31 July, by mutual agreement, to pursue new opportunities. Paolo Porta will join Hunter from Jimmy Choo to take on the role on an interim basis while a full-time replacement is found.

Wauters leaves Hunter after four years in the role, during which time he has led the development of a broader product range, built a “highly experienced” international team and driven revenue growth in new geographic markets, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.

Under his tenure, Hunter hit the one million social media followers mark and reached record online sales. Now, generating about 30% of global sales, Hunter says its e-commerce business is well-positioned to drive future growth.

Prior to joining Hunter, Vincent was president at Canadian premium outdoor brand Arc’teryx.

Meanwhile, Andrew Lawley commenced his role as executive chairman on 8 June. He has been acting as chief restructuring officer to support the business in its refinancing, and brings experience in business strategy, growth and transformation from a career as a senior private equity investor and more recently as group strategy and integration director at Dixons Carphone plc.

Following a recent recapitalisation of the business, Hunter will now begin a strategic review of the business to best position it for long term sustainable and profitable growth. The review will cover all aspects of the business and in particular the opportunity for its global e-commerce platform.

Lawley and Porta will both oversee the launch of the strategic review.