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Outdoor accessories brand Sealskinz has appointed Richard Edmonds as its new chief executive, succeeding long-serving CEO Ray Kelvin as the company prepares for its next phase of growth.
Edmonds, who has spent the past two-and-a-half years leading the brand’s digital growth and global sales strategy, will take over the top role with the backing of both Kelvin and the company’s board.
The promotion marks a leadership transition for Sealskinz, with Kelvin stepping down after more than a decade at the company, including the last three-and-a-half years as chief executive.
Announcing the change on LinkedIn, Kelvin said it was the right time to hand over leadership of the business, describing the move as the start of a new chapter for the brand.
The leadership change comes as Sealskinz looks to build on its recent transformation and continue expanding its presence in domestic and international markets.
While stepping away from day-to-day leadership, Kelvin indicated he is not fully retiring, saying he plans to spend more time with family, travel and pursue personal interests.
Kelvin said: “After more than a decade with Sealskinz, including the last 3.5 years leading the business as CE, the time has come for me to step back and make way for the brand’s next chapter and hand over the reins. It has been the honour to lead this incredible brand and team through its transformation into the modern, agile business it is today.
“I am so incredibly pleased to share that Richard Edmonds will be stepping up as our new CEO. Over the last 2.5 years, he has been the engine behind our digital growth and global sales strategy. He has a clear, ambitious mission for Sealskinz, and he has my, and the board’s, fullest support.”
He added: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. To the colleagues who became friends, and the partners who became allies: thank you for your hard work, your resilience, and your belief in what we were building together.”
