Pentland Brands has appointed Kev McFadyen as the new Global Brand Director for Speedo.

Kev joined Pentland Brands, as the Brand Director for Berghaus, in 2018.  Since then, he’s successfully led Berghaus to deliver growth across both financial and brand metrics, including the rapid transformation of the brand strategy that has led to the development of new product ranges and expansion into new markets.

Kev has over 20 years’ experience working with some of the world’s most highly regarded brands, including Red Bull, Heineken, O2 and Nando’s. In his new role, Kev will be responsible for leading the iconic Speedo brand, including global product and marketing.

Chirag Patel, Pentand Brands CEO, said, “Kev has a passion for sport and outstanding credentials in building brands across multiple industries. We know that he will bring an exciting new perspective to the Speedo brand and will seize the moment in making Speedo matter more to consumers in an Olympic year.”

Kev replaces Rob Hicking, who first joined Speedo as Head of Finance in 2011, becoming Chief Financial Officer in 2015 and then moving into the Speedo Brand Director role in 2017.

Chirag commented, “I would like to thank Rob for his incredible leadership over the past nine years. Rob has led the brand in delivering year-on-year sales and profit growth, its investment into emerging markets and positioning Speedo as the category-leading brand for both competitive and regular swimmers.”

Kev will join Speedo from January 2021 but will remain on the Berghaus advisory board alongside Sir Chris Bonington and Leo Houlding.  Nadine Thompson, Commercial Director for Berghaus & Endura, and Paul Anderton, Head of Category for Berghaus – who collectively have 30+ years’ experience within Berghaus and the outdoor industry – will provide the day-to-day leadership for the brand on an interim basis.