// Giorgio Presca named new CEO of Clarks
// Replaces Mike Shearwood who left 6 months ago following complains over his conduct
Clarks has hired Giorgio Presca to take on the role of chief executive, six months after Mike Shearwood stepped down following an complaints about his conduct.
The British footwear retailer said Presca will be responsible for all operational, financial and commercial aspects of the business and will lead the Clarks strategy with the executive committee.
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The Italian businessman is slated to join the company next month.
Presca has more than 20 years of experience in managing and developing global premium brands, particularly in the footwear and apparel industries, and has worked across publicly-listed, private equity-owned, family-run, and founder-led businesses.
His most recent position was chief executive at Golden Goose Deluxe Brand, where he led the operating transformation, rapid growth and global expansion of the business.
Between 2012 and 2016 he was chief executive at Italian footwear brand Geox, where he executed a brand and company turnaround and returned it s to profitable growth.
Presca has also had stints at Diesel, VF Corp, Citizens of Humanity, Levi Strauss & Co. and Lotto.
“He brings a wealth of experience including a deep understanding of the footwear market,” Clarks chairman Tom O’Neill said.
“He will work together with interim chief executive Stella David to ensure a smooth transition over the coming weeks, after which Stella will return to her previous role as non-executive director.
“I would like to thank Stella for stepping in as interim CEO at a challenging time for Clarks and for her tireless and engaging leadership in the role.”
David became interim boss after former chief executive Mike Shearwood stepped down when the shoe retailer found his conduct “fell short” of expectations.
Shearwood, who had been at the helm since 2016, was investigated following several complaints about his behaviour.
“Clarks recently learned that aspects of Mr Shearwood’s conduct, conversations and expressions fell short of the behaviours expected of all its employees on a number of occasions,” the retailer said in June last year.
“In these circumstances the board has accepted Mr Shearwood’s resignation.”
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