Clarks, Bostonian brands get new chairman

The Clarks Group, the company behind the Clarks and Bostonian brands that sells more than 50 million pairs of shoes annually, has named a new chairman.

The privately held United Kingdom-based company, which operates specialty footwear stores in the U.S. and worldwide, elevated Thomas O’Neill to the role of chairman from his position as a non-executive director on the board. He fills a position previously held by Peter Davies to lead the world’s number one non-athletic footwear brand with annual sales of roughly $2.4 billion and a presence in 100 markets.

“[Clarks] is a wonderful company, with a strong heritage and exciting growth prospects globally. I look forward to being part of the next chapter in the story of this unique and much-loved brand,” O’Neill said.

O’Neill has previously served as CEO of internationally renowned jeweller Harry Winston in New York, and president of the Harry Winston Diamond Corp, from 2004 to 2010. Previously he served as worldwide president for London-based fashion house Burberry between 2001 and 2004. He has also held senior roles at LVMH, Marc Jacobs and Tiffany & Co.

“We are delighted to appoint Thomas to the role of chairman. His extensive experience working with global retail brands in the USA, Europe and Asia combined with his in-depth knowledge of the Clarks business make him a natural choice for the role of chairman,” said Clarks Group CEO Melissa Potter.