Sportswear retailer Sweaty Betty has named Melissa Mullen as its new global brand president, succeeding former chief executive Julia Straus.

Mullen was most recently vice-president and general manager of the UK and Ireland for British lifestyle retailer Jo Malone London, where she held responsibility for “all commercial operations” across stores, ecommerce and wholesale.

Sweaty Betty said that Mullen brings “a wealth of experience from various senior executive roles within global fashion, athletic and footwear brands”.

She previously held a series of senior positions at Nike, including senior director of retail in the UK, senior director of Nike’s online global expansion, and other ecommerce and merchandising roles.

Following the acquisition of Sweaty Betty by US-based footwear group Wolverine Worldwide in August 2021, Mullen will report to the company’s London-based international group president Isabel Soriano.

Wolverine Worldwide chief executive Brendan Hoffman said: “Wolverine Worldwide’s strategy includes focusing our efforts and investments on Sweaty Betty and other key brands within our portfolio. 

“I’m confident Melissa will help unlock Sweaty Betty’s global growth potential and forge even stronger connections with its consumers around the world.”

Mullen added: “When the opportunity arose to lead Sweaty Betty, a brand rooted in purpose and deep consumer connections, I knew I had to be part of the next chapter of its story.

“I look forward to working with this incredible team to grow our business and support our mission to empower women around the world through fitness and beyond.”