Dr Martens World Artistic Director Darren McKoy has stepped down after a decade with the footwear model.
McKoy first joined the British bootmaker in January 2015 as World Class Supervisor for footwear, earlier than being promoted to World Product & Merchandising Director in October 2017.
He was appointed World Artistic Director in November 2021, tasked with reinforcing its authentic product while inspiring innovation that all the time touches on the model’s heritage.
Previous to Dr Martens, Mckoy held a spread of product supervisor and class roles at Asics, VF Corp, Adidas and Mamas & Papas.
Throughout his tenure as World Artistic Director, Dr Martens reached £1 billion in income for the 12 months to 31 March 2023.
Nonetheless, it has since confronted challenges and lately reported a loss earlier than tax of £28.7 million within the half 12 months to 29 September 2024 as elevated prices and weakened demand amongst US shoppers, its greatest market, impacted the enterprise.
In a LinkedIn publish, Mckoy stated: “Precisely 10 years to the week, I joined the model at a time when it was able to take daring dangers. With a tremendous set of passionate individuals – each long-standing and new – true model ambassadors who shared an unwavering perception in its potential, we helped rework the enterprise from a circa £136 million firm to a £1 billion powerhouse.
“That journey has been nothing wanting extraordinary and life-changing. Witnessing that progress and having the privilege to form it as Product Director after which Artistic Director has been an unforgettable and humbling expertise.
“After a lot reflection, I made the choice early final 12 months to step away and embrace new alternatives and artistic challenges. It wasn’t a straightforward selection, as you possibly can think about, however I really feel now could be the suitable time to shut this wonderful chapter and begin writing the following.
“Dr. Martens will all the time be part of me, and I’ll be cheering on the following chapter for this unimaginable model and the following technology of wearers who will undoubtedly take it to new heights.”
