Global outdoor, lifestyle and sports company, KMD Brands will welcome Megan Welch as CEO of Kathmandu, effective 7 August 2023.
Based at the company’s head office in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, Welch will take over from Michael Daly, who has been caretaking the role, in addition to his role as KMD Brands group CEO and managing director, which remains unchanged.
With extensive global brand and product experience, Welch joins Kathmandu from Crocs where she served as senior vice president and general manager of Asia Pacific in Singapore.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Megan into KMD Brands, as CEO of ANZ’s leading outdoor brand Kathmandu. She has a proven track record for growth, and strong international experience,” Daly said.
“Megan’s multi-channel expertise across retail, wholesale and digital, make her the ideal leader for Kathmandu as we continue to grow the business and expand our global presence. Megan joins the executive leadership team at KMD Brands and will work alongside fellow brand CEOs Brooke Farris (Rip Curl) and Amy Beck (Oboz).”
Commenting on her appointment, Welch said: “I’m so excited to join Kathmandu, an outdoor brand with such a strong heritage and reputation for quality, sustainability and innovation. With the brand leading in the ANZ market, but new to Europe and North America, I’m looking forward to partnering with Michael and my new team to accelerate the momentum.”