Dr Martens European supremo quits to take top position at Austin Reed

Footwear company Dr Martens is searching for a European head of marketing following the resignation of Dan Gyves.

Gyves is leaving Dr Martens in August to join fashion retailer Austin Reed as marketing brand controller, where he will report to group marketing director Andrew Woodward. He will replace Hashim Ladha, who left Austin Reed in May to join ladies fashion retailer Dorothy Perkins in the newly created position of head of creative and marketing. Marketing for Dorothy Perkins was previously handled by marketing manager Louise Taylor, who now reports to Ladha.

Dr Martens global marketing director Bobbie Parisi will oversee marketing for Europe until a replacement for Gyves is found. Parisi is based in the US.

The new marketer will be responsible for the development and implementation of country-specific marketing plans, with an emphasis on enhancing the Dr Martens brand throughout Europe.

Dr Martens spends the bulk of its marketing budget on below-the-line activity, but departed from the usual strategy last year with the launch of its “World of Feet” campaign. The three 15-second television and cinema spots featured bare feet in a variety of situations, with Dr Martens shoes as their objects of desire.

Mustoe Merriman Herring Levy handles advertising for Dr Martens.