Niwot-based Crocs names David Thomson GM of Asia/Africa/Mideast region
Crocs, Inc. have announced that footwear and apparel veteran David Thomson has been named senior vice president, general manager, of the company's Asia, Africa and Middle East region. In this newly created role, Thomson will oversee all sales and operations in the region and work closely with Crocs' leadership to execute against the company's global strategic plan.
The company is also announcing a re-organization of its regional business structure from four to three regions – Americas; EU; and Asia, Africa and Middle East – with Japan now part of the consolidated Asia region. This re-organization will help to better align and create efficiencies across Crocs' global operations.
Thomson has more than 22 years of experience leading footwear, apparel and consumer goods brands in international markets and in start-up, high-growth and turnaround situations. Most recently, Thomson served as executive vice president, Asia Pacific, for Tommy Hilfiger. Thomson will be based in Singapore and plans to join the company on or around May 1. He will report to Andrew Rees, president of Crocs.
"David is a proven leader whose passion for building teams and developing brands will support the growth of our Asia, Africa and Middle East region," Rees said. "We look forward to welcoming David to the Crocs team and leveraging his experience in emerging and diverse markets to support the brand's continued global evolution."
At Tommy Hilfiger, Thomson oversaw growth in emerging markets, including Europe and Asia. Before joining Tommy Hilfiger, Thomson spent 16 years with leading consumer goods companies including Duracell, Gillette, Reckitt Benckiser and Nike. At Nike, Thomson served as general director of Nike's Russia operation, where he led sales, wholesale growth and retail for the brand.
"I see great potential for the continued growth of the Crocs brand and business in Asia, Africa and the Middle East," said Thomson. "Crocs has an extremely talented leadership team in place and I'm eager to begin working with this team to help the Crocs brand reach its full potential."