Footasylum has appointed a new chief commercial officer and senior buying director to its top team.

The sportswear retailer has named Will Van Rensburg as chief commercial officer and Glen Wilkinson as its new senior buying director.

Van Rensburg joins the business from his most recent role as senior vice president of commercial at Clarks. Retail Week revealed last month that his exit was part of an exodus at the footwear specialist.

He has also held senior roles at Under Armour, Calvin Klein owner PVH and Aldi.

Footasylum said today that Van Rensburg brings “extensive experience” across international and UK omnichannel retailing to his new role, as well as experience across wholesale, franchising and implementing loyalty programmes.

Wilkinson joins the sportswear retailer with more than 25 years of experience including at businesses including Reebok, New Balance and most recently footwear company AW LAB.

The retailer said he has “a proven track record in the USA, UK, Netherlands and Italy” and will play a “crucial role” in bolstering Footasylum’s buying strategy alongside the retailer’s chief product officer.

Footasylum chief executive David Pujolar, who joined the business in March, said: “I am delighted to welcome Will and Glen to the business. Their extensive experience across a range of companies and geographies will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our position in the market.

“Together, they will help drive our growth strategy and enhance our product offerings, ensuring that Footasylum remains at the forefront of the fashion streetwear and sportswear industry.

“With this enhanced team in place, I am even more confident in our ability to realise our ambitious plans for Footasylum, especially as we build on our record FY24 performance and approach our peak trading period, where I am certain Will and Glen will make significant contributions.”

Van Rensburg said of his appointment: “Footasylum is an incredible business with a unique proposition that is excelling in a thriving yet competitive market, and I am thrilled to join at such a pivotal time.

“The company has established trusted relationships with its brand partners, and I look forward to expanding and deepening these partnerships as we enhance our offerings across the UK and beyond, building on Footasylum’s impressive growth in recent years.”

Wilkinson added: “I am extremely excited to join Footasylum at this dynamic time. I look forward to leveraging my experience in the footwear and sportswear sectors to enhance our buying strategy and further strengthen our product portfolio.

“Footasylum has a strong reputation for delivering for our consumer community of urban style leaders, and I am confident that by collaborating with the team and driving innovation we can continue our impressive growth trajectory both online and in stores.”

For the 2024 financial year, Footasylum reported “record” sales and profits with revenue up 7% and EBITDA soaring 41%.

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