Happy Socks names new CEO

The CFO of Happy Socks has a new title.

Emil Viklund has been promoted to CEO of Happy Socks, succeeding Steven Gardener who is leaving the company to pursue other interests.  Viklund joined the Swedish company as chief financial officer in late 2019, after eight years at Bonnier News, the largest media company in Sweden. 

Happy Socks operates 135 stores worldwide, including eight in the United States (five in New York and three in Los Angeles.)

"In his work as a CFO, he [Viklund] has proven that he will bring a great mix of leadership, operational experience, and passion for innovation to the role,” said Christian Beck, chairman, Happy Socks. “As a part of the management team he displayed significant drive and energy as he has been a key contributor to the future strategy of Happy Socks.”

Viklund will continue to oversee the finance department until the appointment of a new CFO. Outgoing CEO Gardener will remain with Happy Socks as an advisor until March 2021.

"Emil and I have worked very closely together through all the challenges that 2020 has thrown at us,” said Gardner. “I am therefore delighted that he is taking over from me as CEO in January. He’s the perfect guy to lead Happy Socks on to the next stage of its journey.”