Dr. Martens, a division of Airwair International, named Leslie Lane president of the U.S. and Americas effective Jan. 26. Lane will be responsible for managing Dr. Martens business in the regions. He will be based at the brand’s U.S. head office in Portland, Ore.
Lane is currently the CEO of Dakine Inc., one of a portfolio of action sport lifestyle brands owned by Altamont Capital Partners. The Oxford University graduate also spend eight years at Nike in various executive positions, including vice president and managing director of Nike Foundation and Nike Running vice president and general manager.
In a statement, Airwair International Ltd CEO Steve Murray commented, “It was important to us that we found someone who combined genuine passion for our unique brand with a deep understanding of the region and markets to be able to maximize the opportunity Dr. Martens has in the U.S. and Americas region.” He added, “It’s no accident that the person we chose has driven so many high level, consumer focused, strategic brand initiatives in his career and we look forward to Leslie joining the global team.”
Lane said, “I am excited to have the opportunity to work for a brand that I have loved since my time growing up in England and have worn for nearly forty years, and to be able to work with such a talented and passionate group of individuals both in the Americas and U.S. region and around the world.”