Kathmandu names new CEO

KMD Brands has announced that Megan Welch has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kathmandu. KMD Brands was founded in 1987 in Aotearoa New Zealand and specialises in clothing and equipment for travel and the outdoors across its three brands, Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz.

Megan Welch joins the business with a wealth of global brand and product experience. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President and General Manager at Crocs for Asia Pacific based in Singapore.

This role will be based in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, at Kathmandu’s Head Office. She takes over from Michael Daly, Group CEO and Managing Director of KMD Brands. Daly’s role as Group CEO and Managing Director remains unchanged, and the incoming CEO will report to him.

“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. Megan joins the Executive Leadership Team at KMD Brands and will work alongside fellow brand CEOs Brooke Farris (Rip Curl) and Amy Beck (Oboz).”

Megan Welch will take up the position of Kathmandu CEO effective from 7th August 2023.

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

KMD Brands made headlines in March as it became one of the first multinational companies in Australia and New Zealand to have all its brands (Rip Curl, Kathmandu, and Oboz) individually certified.

The group recovered from a rough lockdown period with a 40 percent drop in profit last year. This year, the company is doing well as travel booms with total sales for the half year ended 31 January 2023 (unaudited) are expected to be approximately NZD $546 million, an increase of 34 percent on last year. Notably, Kathmandu sales recovery continues, with total sales 51 percent above 1H FY22, reflecting a return of travel and tourist-related spend.

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