Pentland Brands names Matt Rock as its new Americas chief

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Dec 22, 2022

Britain’s Pentland Brands has announced Matt Rock as its new president - Americas. The role oversees Speedo as well as Pentland’s full portfolio, including Endura and Mitre, for the Americas region.

Rock has been the firm’s president - Asia Pacific since 2018. While he started his career working in sales for Puma, he joined Pentland Brands as far back as 2005 as sales director for Ted Baker footwear. 

Two year later he became MD of that business and the company said that during his tenure, Ted Baker footwear sales rose over 800% and distribution increased from eight to 28 markets.

He moved up further within the company in 2015 when he became supply chain director, responsible for both the global supply chain and the regional commercial teams. 

Pentland said that in that role, he “transformed both functions into multi-brand operations and led the development of a ‘digital first’ China strategy, resulting in 100% growth in sales”.

In his new post, he’s taking over from the retiring Jim Gerson, who steps down at the end of this year “after the successful transition of the Speedo North America business from PVH Corp into Pentland Brands”. 

Pentland CEO Chirag Patel said he’s shown “steady leadership” and “his knowledge, expertise, and deep understanding of people were instrumental in successfully onboarding the Speedo North America business”.

Meanwhile, Tom Whitmer, formerly executive VP, operations - Americas, has been promoted to COO - Americas; Abhy Thomas-Joseph has replaced Rock as president - Asia Pacific; and Charlotte Cox continues in her role as president - EMEA. 

Patel added: “The acquisition and transition of the Speedo North America business means we are now a truly global organisation. With strong leadership teams now in place across our three key regions — North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe — we’re in a great position to deliver on our ambition to build a global portfolio of pioneering brands that make life better.”