Dr Martens Creative Director Darren McKoy exits

1 day ago 2

Sophie Smith

06 January 2025

Dr Martens Global Creative Director Darren McKoy has stepped down after a decade with the footwear brand.

McKoy first joined the British bootmaker in January 2015 as Global Category Manager for footwear, before being promoted to Global Product & Merchandising Director in October 2017.

He was appointed Global Creative Director in November 2021, tasked with reinforcing the brand's original product whilst inspiring innovation that always touches on its heritage.

Prior to Dr Martens, Mckoy held various product manager and category roles at Asics, VF Corp, Adidas and Mamas & Papas.

During his tenure as Global Creative Director, Dr Martens reached £1 billion in revenue for the year to 31 March 2023.

However, it has since faced challenges and recently reported a loss before tax of £28.7 million in the half-year to 29 September 2024 as elevated costs and weakened demand amongst US consumers, its biggest market, impacted the business.

In a LinkedIn post, Mckoy said: "Exactly 10 years to the week, I joined the brand at a time when it was ready to take bold risks. With an amazing set of passionate people - both long-standing and new - true brand ambassadors who shared an unwavering belief in its potential, we helped transform the business from a circa £136 million company to a £1 billion powerhouse.

"That journey has been nothing short of extraordinary and life-changing. Witnessing that growth and having the privilege to shape it as Product Director and then Creative Director has been an unforgettable and humbling experience.

"After much reflection, I made the decision early last year to step away and embrace new opportunities and creative challenges. It wasn’t an easy choice, as you can imagine, but I feel now is the right time to close this amazing chapter and start writing the next.

"Dr. Martens will always be a part of me, and I’ll be cheering on the next chapter for this incredible brand and the next generation of wearers who will undoubtedly take it to new heights."

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