Skechers appoints new UK&I managing director

Footwear company Skechers has recently announced the appointment of Richard Parker as managing director of the United Kingdom and Ireland. 

Having worked at the company for 22 years, Parker has held almost every position within the UK&I sales division, starting as an area sales manager before moving to work with key accounts including Amazon. For the last four years, Parker was the national sales manager for the UK&I division.

Former managing director Peter Youell has moved into an advisory role and is now working on international projects within the company. Youell joined Skechers in 2004 as sales director and was quickly promoted to the role of managing director of UK&I, a position he held for 18 years, where he helped the company grow into a £200m business. 

David Weinberg, chief operating officer, said: “As we look to drive growth across the UK in the coming years, we have promoted Skechers veteran Richard Parker to managing director of Skechers United Kingdom and Ireland. 

“We believe that with his varied experience, business acumen and success within the organisation and market relationships, he will excel in his new role–one aptly served by Peter Youell for nearly 20 years. The energy and support Peter gave his team, creating a collaborative organisation and developing each member’s strengths to all work, elevated the brand and helped establish a foundation for future successes.”