Shoemaker Clarks taps former Geox CEO

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Feb 25, 2019

Clarks has appointed Giorgio Presca as its new chief executive officer to steer the British shoe brand to profitability over the next few years.

Presca will join the business during March, and take over from interim CEO Stella David, who was promoted following the resignation of former CEO Mike Shearwood in June last year amid misconduct claims.

Presca will be responsible for all operational, financial and commercial aspects of the business, which has remained family owned over more than six generations. With more than 20 years of experience in managing and developing global premium brands, particularly in the footwear and apparel industries, Presca seems ideally placed to take the brand to a new phase of growth.

His most recent position was CEO at Golden Goose Deluxe Brand, where he led the operating transformation, rapid growth and global expansion of the business. Prior to that, he was CEO at Geox where he executed a brand and company turnaround and returned the business to profitable growth. And previously, he held senior leadership positions in Diesel, VF Corporation Jeanswear International division, Citizens of Humanity, Levi Strauss & Co. and Lotto.

Commenting on his appointment, Clarks chairman Tom O’Neill said: “I am pleased to welcome Giorgio to Clarks as our new CEO. He brings a wealth of experience including a deep understanding of the footwear market. He will work together with interim CEO 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.”

Giorgio Presca added: “I cannot wait to join an iconic and historic brand like Clarks and work closely with the board, the executive committee, its 13,000 people and operating partners across the world. Clarks faces the challenges of today’s competitive markets, changing distribution channels and the need to adapt to a rapidly evolving consumer environment but has the competences and assets to return to sustainable growth and profitability in the course of the next few years.”