Kev McFadyen to become brand director of Speedo
Pentland Brands has announced that Kev McFadyen has been appointed as the new global brand director for the Speedo swimwear brand.
McFadyen joined Pentland Brands in 2018 as brand director for Berghaus. During this time, he has been working to transform the brand through the development of new product ranges and the expansion into new markets. His previous career includes stints at Red Bull, Heineken, O2 and Nando’s.
Chirag Patel, Pentand Brands chief executive, said, “Kev has a passion for sport and outstanding credentials in building brands across multiple industries. We know that he will bring an exciting new perspective to the Speedo brand and will seize the moment in making Speedo matter more to consumers in an Olympic year.”
McFadyen has succeeded Rob Hicking who joined Speedo as head of finance in 2011, became its chief financial officer in 2015 and brand director in 2017.
Patel added: “I would like to thank Rob for his incredible leadership over the past nine years. Rob has led the brand in delivering year-on-year sales and profit growth, its investment into emerging markets and positioning Speedo as the category-leading brand for both competitive and regular swimmers.”
McFadyen will take up his new role in January 2021 but will remain on the Berghaus advisory board alongside Sir Chris Bonington and Leo Houlding. Meanwhile, Nadine Thompson, commercial director for Berghaus & Endura, and Paul Anderton, head of category for Berghaus , will provide the day-to-day leadership for the brand on an interim basis.
