David Thomas is stepping down as Brandbank Group CEO, following four years in the role.
Peter Halkett has been appointed to the position, effective July 2023.
Halkett’s appointment follows the resignation of Thomas who, after four years leading Brandbank Group, will leave the group at the end of the financial year.
Halkett is an experienced leader of retail businesses, having held the role of APG & Co CEO from 2015 to 2020 and Kathmandu CEO from 2006 to 2014.
Brandbank Group chairman Peter Lew welcomed him to the business.
"Peter Halkett is a seasoned leader with a strong track record of growing retail brands across domestic and international markets. Peter has the passion, commitment, and dedication to continue to drive success at Brandbank and I look forward to working with him.”
Halkett said he is thrilled to be appointed as CEO of Brandbank Group and will continue to build on the strong foundations of the business.
"Brandbank has a portfolio of highly recognised brands that are well-positioned for future growth. I am delighted to join the Group and work with the team to continue to enhance business performance and deliver great brand experiences for customers,” he said.
Outgoing CEO Thomas joined Brandbank in July 2019 and has been credited for growing its portfolio.
In addition to expandinf the Seed Heritage and French Connection brands, this strategy involved the acquisition of Swedish-inspired stationery business, kikki.K, and the launch of brands Commonry, allkinds and FINE-DAY.
Lew acknowledged David’s contribution to Brandbank Group.
"Brandbank has transformed under David’s stewardship. Despite experiencing significant uncertainty during the pandemic, David worked with our teams to oversee the upgrade to the company’s digital capabilities, launching brands internationally online, and implementing new systems and supply chains. David’s value-driven leadership has shaped our team to foster a creative and inclusive culture.
"I would like to thank David for his dedication to the business and for overseeing significant change during his tenure, and I wish him all the best."
Thomas thanked the Brandbank Group board for the opportunity to serve as CEO and said he was proud of what his team had achieved over the past four years.
"It has been a privilege to be the leader of this successful business, and establish an inclusive culture, driven by our wonderful teams. We have established a collection of leading Australian lifestyle brands that appeal to abroad range of customers, both locally and internationally. The team are dedicated to delivering brilliant customer experiences and strong brand performance.
"I am particularly proud of leading our digital and supply chain transformation, as well as adding the new brands to our Group portfolio. The business is well positioned to execute on the next phase of our strategy, with strong brands, new systems, and a highly focused and energised team.
"I would also like to thank Peter Lew for giving me the opportunity to serve as CEO and for his incredible trust and support. I remain a proud supporter of Brandbank, and I look forward to watching all the future success of the Group,” Thomas said.