Strathberry, a luxury fashion brand from Edinburgh, has appointed Martin Byrne as its new managing director to steer towards a £100m sales goal.
- Byrne comes to Strathberry with extensive experience from senior roles at Monica Vinader, Links of London, and Simon Harrison.
- Strathberry has seen a significant 53% turnover increase, reaching £27m in the 2024 fiscal year, and aims to expand further.
- The brand’s growth is backed by strong demand in North America, the Middle East, and Japan, along with a significant £8m investment in 2021.
- Founders Leeanne and Guy Hundleby express confidence in Byrne’s ability to drive future growth through his luxury sector expertise.
Strathberry, the luxury handbag and fashion brand based in Edinburgh, has taken a strategic step by appointing Martin Byrne as its new managing director. This appointment comes as part of the company’s ambitious plan to reach a £100m sales target within the next three years. Martin Byrne, who will commence his role in November, brings a wealth of experience from his previous position as commercial director at Monica Vinader. Additionally, his senior roles at noted brands such as Links of London and Simon Harrison, where he managed jewellery designs for iconic fashion brands including Vivienne Westwood, Karen Millen, and Ted Baker, highlight his suitability for the role.
In recent years, Strathberry has demonstrated robust business performance, with a reported 53% increase in turnover for the 2024 financial year, reaching £27 million. The brand’s success is notably influenced by its presence in over 90 retail outlets worldwide and flagship stores situated in Edinburgh and London. Demand from markets in North America, the Middle East, and Japan has played a significant role in propelling the brand’s growth trajectory.
The company’s expansion is further supported by an £8 million investment from the Business Growth Fund received in 2021, allowing it to fortify its market position and initiate forward-thinking strategies. Both Leeanne and Guy Hundleby, the founding duo, assert their confidence in Byrne’s capacity to unlock new opportunities, citing his extensive background in the luxury sector as a pivotal factor in his appointment.
Byrne’s expertise and ability to drive growth are viewed as instrumental in navigating the luxury brand through the upcoming phases of expansion. “Martin’s extensive experience in the luxury sector, coupled with his proven track record of driving growth, makes him the ideal candidate to help us capitalize on the numerous opportunities ahead,” shared Leeanne and Guy Hundleby in their statement.
With Martin Byrne at the helm, Strathberry is poised to achieve its ambitious sales objectives through strategic leadership and market expansion.
