Gymshark names new chief commercial officer amid US expansion

Gymshark has promoted its general manager of North America Kim Dolder to the role of chief commercial officer.

Dolder, who will report directly into founder and CEO Ben Francis, will continue to operate out of New York and lead Gymshark’s US office.

In her new role, she will ensure that brand “has the single architecture in place to become a fully omnichannel enterprise”.

Dolder will also be responsible for creating and implementing strategies that drive revenues, introduce new products, and scale new business channels.

The appointment is the latest stake in the ground as part of Gymshark’s expansion across the pond.

Last year, the brand moved its North American Headquarters to New York, welcomed over 7,500 members of the community to its biggest-ever Lift event. With today’s news, Dolder also becomes Gymshark’s first board member located in the US.

While last week, the retailer revealed plans to open its first-ever flagship store in the US later this year.

The British gymwear giant‘s new store will be located at 11 Bond Street, New York and span 13,000sq ft across four floors. The brand also has plans to open further ‘core’ stores across London, Amsterdam and Manchester this year.

On her appointment, Dolder said: “Gymshark has had an unbelievable 12 years as, predominantly, an e-commerce company, but it’s no secret that we are pivoting to become an omnichannel organisation.

“So, to step into the CCO’s shoes and play a role in evolving the incredible brand we’ve built so far, building our retail footprint and expanding our wholesale and franchise partnerships is beyond exciting.

“I’ve worked in apparel for 20 years at some amazing brands, but I’ve never had more clarity about the opportunity in front of me and, well, it feels like it’s all been leading to this.”

Francis added: “If we are to become an iconic 100-year brand, there are two things we can’t compromise on – being global and being omnichannel.

“To achieve them, we need a chief commercial officer who can be the architect to create the blueprint to get us there. I can think of no one better than Kim to step into this role.

“Kim is our first chief based in the US, so this serves as a real sign of intent of our global ambitions. Since joining, she has already added so much value to our North American operations and her experience, insight and sheer will to win will definitely take Gymshark to new heights.”

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