Footasylum has been busy on the key hire front since David Pujolar joined as CEO in March,  appointing two new names to head key departments for the growing omnichannel footwear and sportswear retailer.

Pujolar’s move to “realign the organisation and strengthen its executive leadership team” sees Will Van Rensburg becoming chief commercial officer and Glen Wilkinson appointed senior buying director.

Together, they “bring extensive global experience that will support and enhance Footasylum’s existing team… [and] enable the company to execute its ambitious growth both internationally and in the UK”, the retailer said.

Van Rensburg “brings a wealth of experience” from key leadership roles at prominent retailers including Clarks, Under Armour, PVH, and Aldi. 

With extensive expertise in both international and UK omnichannel retailing, he’s “well-versed in all retail channels, including stores, e-commerce, wholesale, and franchising [and] has also successfully implemented loyalty programmes in previous roles”. 

In his position as COO, he’ll oversee the commercial operations of the business and play “a pivotal role in executing the company’s strategy to drive future growth and development”.

As its new senior buying director, Wilkinson joins later this month bringing over 25 years of industry knowledge. He’s held senior roles at New Balance, Reebok and, most recently, AW LAB.

With extensive international expertise and a proven track record in the US, UK, Netherlands, and Italy, he’ll play a “crucial role in advancing Footasylum’s buying strategy in collaboration with the company’s Chief Product Officer”.

Pujolar said of the two hires: “Together, they will help drive our growth strategy and enhance our product offerings, ensuring that Footasylum remains at the forefront of the fashion streetwear and sportswear industry. With this enhanced team in place, I am even more confident in our ability to realise our ambitious plans for Footasylum, especially as we build on our record FY24 performance and approach our peak trading period, where I am certain Will and Glen will make significant contributions.”

The appointments follows news of those Footasylum record sales and profits in FY24. During the 52-week period ending January 2024, Footasylum revenues grew by 7%, while EBITDA rose by 41%. It said growth was driven by an 87% increase in wholesale sales and a 15% rise in online sales.