Timberland searches for Euro marketing director

Apparel and footwear brand Timberland is hunting for a European marketing director.

The search has been prompted by Marisa Selfa’s promotion to the position of brand director for Europe, with responsibility for the brand’s development across the continent and a budget of over £10m. The new European marketing director will report directly to her.

Selfa, who joined Timberland earlier this year, replaced Pat Mitchinson, who left the clothes and footwear brand last year (MW June 2, 2005). She had worked in marketing and brand management roles at both Nike and Adidas, where she had global responsibility for the men’s and children’s clothing business, and was charged with building Adidas into a premium fashion brand.

Prior to Selfa’s appointment, Mitchinson had been European marketing director at Timberland for two years. She moved to Rank to join the gaming division as marketing director (MW November 24) but left earlier this month after less than a year in the role (MW October 6).

Earlier this year, Initiative won the media planning and buying business for premium heritage brand Timberland Boot Company (MW March 30). The media agency holds the business for parent group Timberland UK but the heritage brand, launched last year, is run separately.

The company, which has spearheaded eco-friendly packaging and other initiatives, operates 57 outlets in the US, while in Europe and Asia it has 117 stores and 28 outlets. This year it has reported a loss of $13m (£6.95m) in the second quarter, and a drop in sales of boots in the US.