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Edinburgh-based luxury brand Strathberry has appointed Martin Byrne as managing director as the brand targets £100m revenue in a continued expansion.
Byrne, who brings a wealth of experience from leading roles in high-end consumer brands, will join the company in November, working closely with founders Guy and Leeanne Hundleby to drive forward Strathberry’s ambitious global growth strategy.
Byrne’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Strathberry, which reported a 53% increase in turnover to £27m for FY24, representing a remarkable 55% compound annual growth rate since FY21. With a “solid” double-digit profit margin, the brand is setting its sights on reaching £100m in revenue within the next three years.
Byrne has held senior positions at several notable luxury brands, including UK managing director and global COO at Links of London, and managing director at Simon Harrison Ltd, which designed and made jewellery for prominent fashion brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Ted Baker, and Karen Millen.
Strathberry’s growth has been fuelled by strong demand for its luxury leather goods, particularly in North America, which saw a 90% increase in sales last year. Additionally, the Middle East and Japanese markets have exhibited significant online growth, at 143% and 61% respectively, as the brand continues to expand its global footprint.
The brand’s success has been underpinned by an £8m investment from Business Growth Fund (BGF) in 2021, aimed at accelerating its growth trajectory. Byrne’s leadership will be instrumental in leveraging this investment to further enhance Strathberry’s e-commerce capabilities, expand its retail presence, and strengthen wholesale partnerships.
The Hundleby said: “We are thrilled to welcome Martin Byrne to the Strathberry team during this exciting period of growth.
“Martin’s extensive experience in the luxury sector, coupled with his proven track record of driving growth, makes him the ideal candidate to help us capitalise on the numerous opportunities ahead.”
Byrne, currently chief commercial officer at Monica Vinader, added: “Strathberry’s exceptional products and impressive recent performance speak volumes. After meeting Leeanne and Guy, it was clear to me that the brand has tremendous potential, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success.”
