British streetwear retailer End has appointed Parker Gundersen as its new managing director. He succeeds co-founders Christiaan Ashworth and John Parker, who are stepping down.
The move follows global investment firm Carlyle’s majority stake in End last year to support the “next phase” of the company’s development. Ashworth and Parker are to remain represented “in key positions” on the board.
Gundersen has more than 20 years of multinational experience in leadership positions in retail, luxury goods, e-commerce and strategy consulting. Previously, he was President of Retail Operations at LVMH subsidiary DFS Group and Managing Director at e-tailer Zalora.
“End has continued to advance its strategic growth plans since investing with Carlyle. Over the past year we have significantly expanded our digital and marketing capabilities, opened a new flagship store in Newcastle, expanded our leadership team, launched our womenswear platform and further developed our unique relationships with brands and customers,” said Ashworth and Parker. “We feel the time is right to make a full transition to the board and support the next generation of leaders as they continue to develop the End brand, curation, community and platform on a global stage.”
The next growth phase begins
As part of the transition, Ashworth has been appointed vice president of the board and will work closely with board chairman Patrizio di Marco, who joined the company in 2021. The company added that both Ashworth and Parker will “play an active role on the board and support the team in executing key strategic growth initiatives.”
Gundersen has been appointed to End’s board of directors, effective immediately, and “will transition fully into the role of CEO over the summer.”
This edited and translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.UK.