Jack Wolfskin announces new CFO and new leaders for its Retail and China businesses

Idstein, Germany, 17 December 2024

New CFO

Jens Döring from the adidas brand will start as the new CFO for Jack Wolfskin on 1 January 2025, replacing André Grube who after 4 years with the company decided to step down from his role as General Manager and CFO.

At adidas, Jens most recently held the position of VP Finance Central Europe overseeing the financials for the brand’s 10 Central European Countries. Jens brings 25 years of finance experience in the sport, fashion and lifestyle industry having worked for different brands such as adidas, C&A, RockShox and Beiersdorf.

Matthew Jung, President: “Jens combines deep commercial understanding with long-term financial business partnering experience through the entire value chain. As we reignite the brand in the DACH region, I am confident Jens’ expertise in this particular region will be a catalyst for healthy, sustainable growth.”

New Retail leadership

Claire Midwood, Senior Vice President of Product & Marketing, has extended her responsibilities beyond marketing, product, and design functions to now also include Retail. Claire started her career on the Retail shopfloor in the UK and has held retail leadership roles at Adidas and Apple, and will now oversee all aspects of the Jack Wolfskin European retail business which includes oversight of more than 100 owned stores.

Reporting to Claire as the new Head of Retail Operations & In-Store Experience will be Elliot McFarlane.

Originally from the UK, Elliot has built a track record of success in the retail space over a 28 year career - mainly in sports and fast fashion. Elliot has worked in many aspects of the retail business starting on the shop floor as a sales assistant, and has honed his craft in areas such as visual merchandising, operations, in store communication and concept development / store design.

New General Manager China

Jack Wolfskin continues to enjoy healthy growth in China continues thanks to its authentic and unique brand positioning and strong execution omni-channel execution in this key market. Kurt Zhang, who has served as the region’s VP-Omni Channel since August, 2022, has been promoted to General Manager to lead the scaling of the brand and development of the organization. A seasoned China sports / lifestyle commercial leader of more than 20 years, has built a culture of integration and trust among the channels and key wholesale accounts during his first two years with the brand.

Matthew Jung: “With these important appointments, we are very proud to tap into leadership strengths within our existing organization while welcoming proven leaders within the industry as we move into execution mode of our ‘reimagine’ strategy. I’m so grateful for Claire and Kurt’s positive impacts on the organization to date and welcome Jens and Elliot to the Pack.”