Superdry Regulatory News (SDRY)

SuperGroup Plc

James Holder, Brand and Design Director

12 May 2016

The Board of SuperGroup Plc ('SuperGroup' or 'Group') announces that James Holder, one of the founders of the business and currently Brand and Design Director, is to lead the SuperDesign Lab as a design hot house to drive further product innovation exclusively for SuperGroup. In order to focus his time on this design consultancy and to allow him to spend more time on his personal interests he will resign as a Director and employee of the Group.

James Holder said:

"We have significantly strengthened the design team over the past 18 months and the Heads of Menswear & Womenswear have been driving the design of the core ranges during this period which has allowed me to concentrate on new innovation. To add further focus to this I will lead the creation of the SuperDesign Lab which will allow the business to accelerate its programme of innovation. I look forward to supporting the continued extension of the Superdry brand and am particularly excited about the growth potential for our sportswear and premium product ranges. I remain totally committed to and passionate about the Superdry brand."

Julian Dunkerton, founder and Product and Brand Director, said:

"It has been a pleasure to work alongside James to deliver SuperGroup's development and growth. I am delighted that we will retain his brand innovation skills under an exclusive agreement, while allowing him more flexibility to explore his personal interests. With clear opportunities to grow Superdry even further, I remain very enthusiastic about continuing to work alongside Euan, the wider SuperGroup team and James on the next exciting phase of our journey."

Peter Bamford, Chairman of SuperGroup, said:

"On behalf of the Board I would like to thank James for his contribution to the SuperGroup story. We are pleased that he will continue to contribute to the Superdry brand going forwards, supporting our strengthened executive team as they deliver on our strategy of creating a global lifestyle brand."

James will step down from the Board with effect from 1 June 2016, from which time the Heads of Design for menswear and womenswear will report to Euan Sutherland, Group Chief Executive Officer. 

For further information:

Notes:

The following information is provided in accordance with Section 430 2(B) of the Companies Act 2006.

James Holder will cease to be a Board Director and employee of the Group on 1 June 2016 and will receive his salary and employee benefits, as outlined in the Group's 2015 Directors' Remuneration Report, up to this date. As a participant in the 2016 Annual Bonus Plan James Holder will be eligible for bonus in respect of the 2016 financial year.

No further payments will be made to James Holder in connection with his resignation from office. 

Full details of James Holder's remuneration will be disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report for the financial year ended 30 April 2016.

Notes to Editors

SuperGroup is the owner of British lifestyle brand Superdry. A brand designed for attitude not age with affordable, premium-quality clothing, accessories, footwear and cosmetics.

As we develop the breadth and nature of our product range, we continue to appeal to a much broader, aspirational age group. Those who want to feel amazing in what they wear and appreciate style, quality and attention to detail.

Already well established in the UK - our home market - we operate a significant and continually expanding international business, selling through our websites, wholesale partners, a network of franchise stores and, increasingly, our independent stores. We are becoming a more efficient business as we improve our process from design to customer and refine our wholesale model. Simultaneously, we are focused on expanding our business globally, and we have a clear strategy for growing our e-commerce business as well as Europe, North America and China.

Over the past 12 years, we have expanded rapidly, with a physical presence in 51 countries and 662 stores and concessions globally. We also have a successful e-commerce business with 26 international websites across 18 countries covering 12 different languages and delivering to 169 countries.