With the change in structure, it is clear that Carola Lundell is leaving the company after her time as CEO of Kicks.
Carola has led Kicks through a transformation and played a role in the company's development. I would like to thank her for her leadership, commitment and contributions over six years. We wish her good luck in the next chapter, says Mette Uglebjerg, Group CEO.
The leadership change takes place in a phase where the company wants to streamline responsibility for sales and customer experience in each individual market.
It has been rewarding to lead Kicks through a development journey and later be part of Matas Group. I am pleased with the transformation we have carried out together and with the position Kicks holds today. The new organization is a next step for both Kicks and Matas Group. Now that my role is disappearing, it feels right for me to hand over. Kicks is well-equipped for the future and I look forward to the company's continued development, says Carola Lundell.
From fashion to beauty
Instead, a new role is created as country manager for Sweden and Finland. That assignment goes to Helena Karlinder-Östlundh, who as recently as last week announced that she is leaving her position as CEO of the e-commerce retailer Nelly.
ALSO READ: Nelly's CEO steps down – "significant efforts"
During her time at Nelly, she led the company towards profitability and established physical stores in both Stockholm and Copenhagen. The departure from the fashion industry is therefore a step into the beauty industry.
This is a suitable role for me. I have an interest in both beauty and retail, and being able to combine them in this way is an opportunity that doesn't come along often. Kicks is a brand that has been around for a long time, and as a customer I see for myself that there is potential to build on. I look forward to getting out into the stores, meeting the teams and customers and together creating a customer experience for everyone who likes beauty, says Helena Karlinder-Östlundh.
Helena Karlinder-Östlundh will assume her new position no later than February next year.