KMD Brands names new Kathmandu CEO

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
May 12, 2023

Outdoor and sports company KMD Brands has announced the appointment of Megan Welch to the role the chief executive officer of its Kathmandu brand, effective August 7.

The New Zealand-headquartered company said Welch will be based in its Christchurch head office and takes over from Michael Daly, group CEO and managing director of KMD Brands, who has been performing the leadership role in addition to his role at the group. Welch will report to Daly.

Welch joins Kathmandu from Crocs, where she served as senior vice president and general manager Asia Pacific in Singapore.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Megan into KMD Brands, as CEO of ANZ’s leading outdoor brand Kathmandu," said Daly.

"She has a proven track record for growth, and strong international experience. Megan’s multi-channel expertise across retail, wholesale and digital, make her the ideal leader for Kathmandu as we continue to grow the business and expand our global presence.

In the role, Welch joins the executive leadership team at KMD Brands and will work alongside fellow brand CEOs Brooke Farris at Rip Curl, and Amy Beck at Oboz.

“I’m so excited to join Kathmandu, an outdoor brand with such a strong heritage and reputation for quality, sustainability and innovation," said Welch.

"With the brand leading in the ANZ market, but new to Europe and North America, I’m looking forward to partnering with Michael and my new team to accelerate the momentum.”

In its most recent earnings update, KMD Brands announced revenues for the first quarter surged 62%, on the back of the removal of Australasian lockdowns and a return to more normal trading during the three months ending November 6.