After Dr Martens, Wilson becomes Represent and True chair

UK-based luxury brand Represent and its strategic investment parter True have appointed Kenny Wilson as chair and non-executive director, with the former Dr Martens CEO brought on board to help accelerate the brand’s growth. That includes expanding its reach “in the UK, US, and internationally”.

Drawing on his “proven track record in managing and scaling global brands”, Represent and True said they will look to his “wealth of knowledge across multiple fashion categories to support the brand’s strategy in both luxury fashion and performance sportswear”.

And that significant CV stretches across fashion and retail, including senior management and C-Level roles at Levi’s and Cath Kidston before being appointed CEO of Dr Martens in July 2018. His six years at the footwear giant’s helm ended in January, replaced by Ije Nwokorie, who moved up from chief brand officer.

Acting as a “conduit between Represent and True”, he will leverage his 35 years of experience “to bring a unique point-of-view to the collective business vision of Represent and True.

Wilson said of his appointment: “Represent has driven remarkable growth in recent years and that is testimony to the strength of the brand and team. I’m excited by the potential of the Represent and [performance collection] 247 brands and I look forward to helping the team grow them around the world.”

Paul Spencer, CEO of Represent, added: “As soon as we met Kenny, we knew he would be a great addition to the Represent team. His strength lies not just in his wealth of experience in scaling global consumer brands at the highest level, but also in his work ethic, vision and strategic approach to business. We felt instantly that his values perfectly aligned with ours and he will no doubt be a formidable asset and support to our ongoing mission; to build the best brand in the world.”

Since inception, Represent said it has experienced rapid growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 64% since 2020, “delivering double-digit profit margins”. 

With strong product offerings in both luxury and performance sportswear, the brand is “well positioned to continue this trajectory generating circa £100 million in revenue at the end of the last fiscal year” it said.
 
Alongside mainline collections, Represent has collaborated with global brands such as Puma and Belstaff.