// Vincent Wauters will step down as Hunter CEO at the end of July to pursue new opportunities
// Paolo Porta appointed as interim CEO while Hunter carries out search for a new permanent boss
// Both Porta and chief restructuring officer Andrew Lawley will oversee Hunter’s strategic review
Hunter has announced that Vincent Wauters is set to step down from his role as chief executive at the end of July to pursue new opportunities.
The wellington boots retailer said the decision for Wauters, who joined Hunter in 2016, to step down was a mutual agreement.
Jimmy Coo senior vice president of merchandising and licensing Paolo Porta has been appointed as interim chief executive while Hunter carries out search for a new permanent chief executive to replace Wauters.
READ MORE: Hunter secures £16.5m rescue deal
Meanwhile, Andrew Lawley commenced his role as executive chairman this week after acting as chief restructuring officer to support Hunter’s refinancing.
Both Lawley and Porta will steer Hunter’s business strategic review that will cover all aspects of the business, following last week’s £16.5 million cash injection to support the retailer’s future growth and to help mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to lead Hunter over the last four years and, together we achieved so much,” Wauters said.
“I would like to thank the fantastic team for their dedication in making all this possible. There are few brands like Hunter in the world and I will continue to watch the business closely as it continues its growth in the years to come.”
Porta said: “Vincent has achieved incredible success during his time at Hunter, transforming the company into the global business it is today.
“On behalf of the whole company, I would like to thank him for being such an inspiration and we wish him great success in his new endeavours.
“With our recently strengthened balance sheet and support of our shareholders, the board and senior leadership team look forward to driving Hunter’s successful multi-geography, multi-channel offering forward.”
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