Kathmandu owner KMD Brands names former Nike exec Brent Scrimshaw as its new boss

Listed retailer KMD Brands has named its new chief to replace Michael Daly, who will resign after more than three years in the top job and two decades with the group’s surfwear brand Rip Curl.

The company, which is also behind shopping mall mainstay Kathmandu and footwear label Oboz, on Wednesday revealed it had appointed Brent Scrimshaw as its new group chief executive.

Mr Scrimshaw has been a director at KMD since 2017 and is currently the global CEO of ASX-listed marketing services company Enero.

Prior to both roles, he had a 19-year executive career across three continents with global sports footwear and apparel powerhouse Nike.

Mr Scrimshaw has a six-month notice period in his current role, with his start date at KMD dependant on when he is able to be released.

KMD chair David Kirk said Mr Scrimshaw’s global experience in the sports footwear and apparel industry would be of enormous benefit to the group.

“Brent’s extensive experience in marketplace management and brand development within the sporting goods industry will be instrumental as KMD Brands seeks to enhance its global presence and product offerings,” Mr Kirk said.

“His deep understanding of consumer insight, trends and omnichannel dynamics will provide an advantage as the group continues to innovate and engage with its customers.”

KMD also revealed Mr Daly had been discussing his possible future resignation, with the board initiating a thorough succession planning and evaluation process to identify a successor.

“The board thanks Michael Daly for his excellent service to KMD Brands over the last three-and-a-half years and before that, 22 years with Rip Curl,” Mr Kirk said.

“Michael led the integration of Rip Curl into the group and managed the business very well through the difficult COVID lockdowns and, more recently, weaker consumer discretionary spending.”

KMD last week pinned a $NZ48.3 million ($44.4m) loss in fiscal 2024 on Australian household belt-tightening and a flailing economy in New Zealand.