Clarks board taps former Guess chief Victor Herrero

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Apr 3, 2019

Clarks has announced that former Guess CEO Victor Herrero is amongst three top executives joining its board as non-executive directors.

Peter Clark, Stephen Bolton and Victor Herrero have been appointed to the board of directors of the British footwear company, which recently announced plans to close its only UK factory in Somerset just under two years since its opening.

The appointments follow the arrival of Giorgio Presca as CEO, who has been tasked with leading the company back to the path of profitability.

Peter Clark is managing director of Cannon House Partners, a privately held, US-based investment firm where he directs activities in real estate and equity investments. With the UK high street suffering its worst year on record in 2018, his expertise could prove useful in a potential review of the brand’s store estate. He joined the Clarks board of directors in November.

Victor Herrero was chief executive officer and director of Guess Inc from 2015 until January, when the global lifestyle brand announced his exit without providing a reason. Prior to this he spent more than 12 years at Inditex, holding several senior executive roles, including head of Asia Pacific and managing director of Greater China.

Finally, Stephen Bolton is an experienced finance executive. He served as group controller at Diageo from 2011 until last year, and has previously held senior roles at Unilever. Clarks highlighted his extensive international experience, particularly in Asia, which suggests the shoe firm could be mulling an expansion in the region.

Bolton and Herrero have been appointed with effect from 1 April 2019.

Commenting on the three appointments, Clarks chairman Tom O’Neill said: “I am delighted to welcome Peter, Victor and Stephen as non-executive directors. They will each bring distinct expertise and strong senior business experience to the board, which will be invaluable as Clarks enters a new phase of growth and transformation.”