Former Clarks CEO Victor Herrero has returned to the helm of the British footwear giant, at least temporarily, following a string of senior staff departures.
Herrero, who served as Clarks’ CEO from February 2021 until stepping down nine months later, is now in control of his position as a board member of Clarks’ majority shareholder, Viva Goods. The company is currently searching for a new permanent CEO, and Herrero’s interim leadership comes at a critical time, as Clarks faces an exodus of senior executives.
Among the latest to leave are Chief Marketing Officer Tara McRae, Senior Vice President of Commercial Willem van Rensburg, and Nick Hayward, Head of Retail for the UK, Ireland, and EMEA region.
Leadership Turnover Raises Concerns
The departure of McRae, who had been with Clarks for eight years, marks a significant loss for the company. She is set to join Puma as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy in North America.
Other executives who have recently left or are in the process of leaving include Janine Carew, Head of Merchandising and Planning for the UK and Ireland, Rosie McKissock, Global Kids and Accessories Category Director, and Julian Hargood, Global Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability.
Insiders have expressed concern about the frequent turnover in senior management, with many employees worried about the company’s strategic direction under its current ownership. Confusion over Clark’s leadership structure has also emerged as a key issue.
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Interim Leadership and Strategic Direction
In response to these challenges, Clarks’ Chairman Colin Li and other directors have formed a Steering Committee to lead the business while the search for a new CEO is underway.
A spokesperson for Clarks said:
“Following the departure of Jon Ram as CEO, Clarks chairman Colin Li and other directors formed a Steering Committee to lead the business while we search for a new CEO.”
Adding to the company’s shake-up, former Clarks Managing Director Joe Ulloa has also reportedly returned to the business in a consultancy role.
As Clarks grapples with its leadership transition and staff departures, all eyes will be on the iconic British shoe brand as it navigates its path forward.
