Clarks poaches ex-Boots Opticians and Fossil execs to spearhead overseas operations

The footwear retailer has hired former Boots Opticians managing director Ben Fletcher and poached Fossil senior vice president Jack Quinlan to spearhead growth overseas.

Fletcher, who takes on the role of European region managing director, spent his early career at Procter & Gamble and is currently a non-executive director at the British Retail Consortium.

He moved to Boots as commercial finance director in June 2011 and was promoted to finance director for its UK and Irish business the following year.

Fletcher became managing director of Boots Opticians in October 2013, overseeing the chain’s 650 stores.

Hong Kong connection

Quinlan, who will join Clarks as Asia Pacific regional president in August, has been based in Hong Kong for the past six years as senior vice president of Fossil’s Asia Pacific arm.

Prior to that, Quinlan held senior roles with sportswear giant Nike, where he spent almost a decade, Timberland and Country Road Group.

Their appointments come a week after Clarks revealed plans to recommence volume manufacturing in the UK with the launch of a wholly owned unit at its Somerset headquarters.

Clarks chief commercial officer Steve Finlan said: “I am delighted to welcome Jack and Ben to Clarks.

“They have a wealth of experience and strong commercial skills which will ensure they will play important roles in the transformation and future success of Clarks.”