Sealskinz, the outdoor clothing and accessories specialist in which Ted Baker founder Ray Kelvin is an investor, has appointed a new boss.

Richard Edmonds has been promoted to succeed Ian Blackman in the role. Edmonds was formerly Sealskinz’ chief operating officer, and before that, chief marketing and digital officer.

Blackman revealed the leadership change on LinkedIn.

He posted: “After more than a decade with Sealskinz – including the last 3.5 years leading the business as CEO – the time has come for me to step back and make way for the brand’s next chapter and hand over the reins. 

“It has been the honour to lead this incredible brand and team through its transformation into the modern, agile business it is today. To say we’ve seen an ‘immense amount of change’ would be an understatement, but I leave feeling incredibly proud of the platform we’ve built and the team that is now ready to fuel its future growth.

“I am pleased to share that Richard Edmonds will be stepping up as our new CEO. Over the last 2.5 years, he has been the engine behind our digital growth and global sales strategy. He has a clear, ambitious mission for Sealskinz, and he has my – and the board’s – fullest support.”

Sealskinz, which sells products including hats, jackets, fleeces, and other outdoor clothing, was founded in the 1990s. Entrepreneur Kelvin bought into it in 2022, and fashion giant Next is one of its shareholders along with a family office.

Sealskinz sells online and through retailers such as Go Outdoors and Next. It opened a store on Hinde Street, Marylebone, in 2024.

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