Former Footlocker Europe chief executive Simon Rider is to join Pentland Brands next month. Rider, who was at Footlocker for the past four years, joins Pentland on June 9 as president of Speedo, and will be responsible for the development of the brand worldwide. He previously worked for H&M and Jigsaw.
Pentland owns brands and stores in the UK including Speedo, Ellesse, and Red or Dead. Speedo opened its first European standalone shop in Bluewater in 1999 - the first of a number of stores mooted and a showcase for the brand. There are also Speedo outlets in Portsmouth, Covent Garden and McArthurGlen's centre at Alfreton, Derbyshire.
Pentland chief executive Andy Rubin said Rider would lead the development of Speedo globally. A new beach fashion range is being launched at the moment.