Kurt Geiger, Europe’s largest multi-branded shoe retailer, today announces its full year results for the 12 months to 28 January 2017 (“FY16”).

Kurt Geiger, Europe’s largest multi-branded shoe retailer, today announces its full year results for the 12 months to 28 January 2017 (“FY16”).

Key Highlights
• Group revenue increased 12% to £330m (FY15: £294m) with like-for-like sales growth of 11%
• Group EBITDA increased 11% to £33.9m (FY15: £30.6m)
• Online sales increased 26% and accounted for 23% of Group revenue (FY15: 20 %)
• Strong Kurt Geiger brands’ performance is reflected in the strength of the Women’s fashion trainer business (+48%), Women’s accessories collections (+18%) and men’s footwear category (+12%)
• Expanded into a new channel, children's shoes, with our key retail partners
• Invested in talent across the Group with total headcount increasing 11% to 2,291

Neil Clifford, Chief Executive Officer of Kurt Geiger Ltd, commented:
“I am pleased to report another successful year in Kurt Geiger’s development as a global fashion brand. We delivered a strong performance across all channels and established territories last year, which resulted in a 12% increase in revenue and an 11% increase in EBITDA. Kurt Geiger is a fashion forward looking business, and we are ambitious for this company’s future, its people and its partners. It is important that we invest, innovate and evolve dynamically to do what we do better and to broaden our ranges and strengthen our appeal to customers across countries and age demographics. The key pillars of our growth strategy are:
• Enabling the business to deliver long-term growth through continued investment in people, digital innovation, processes and systems;
• Executing global growth opportunities in new markets and online; and
• Investing in the Kurt Geiger brands to capture significant growth opportunities.

"Since the period end, we have continued to invest in talent and I am delighted to welcome four new leaders to the Kurt Geiger Board who will be supported by existing Chief Operating Officer Dale Christilaw, Chief Buying & Creative Officer Rebecca Farrar-Hockey and Chairman, former Chief Executive of Clarks, Peter Bolliger. These additions further strengthen our leadership and bring notable expertise in brand, customer, technology and strategy to the Company at a time of significant growth. Kurt Geiger is well placed to deliver another year of growth and innovation to meet the changing needs of all its customers, and the team looks to the future with confidence.”

NEW ADDITIONS TO KURT GEIGER BOARD:

MICHELLE RYAN
Buying & Supply Chain Director – Own Brand
Michelle Ryan has responsibility for the Kurt Geiger and Carvela brands. Michelle has a deep understanding of the shoe and accessory business having been at the centre of many big growth initiatives in her career, notably at Jimmy Choo, Burberry and Saint Laurent.

STEVEN SOUSA
International Director
Steven has extensive experience of international wholesale in the shoe and accessory sector, based on his senior leadership positions over the last 12 years at Michael Kors both in the USA and EMEA regions.
GIUSEPPE GUILLOT
Logistics & Systems Infrastructure Director
Giuseppe brings significant expertise to the Group on large scale operations and supply chain logistics based on his experience at YOOX Group and as Managing Director of MedicAnimal Ltd.

ROSS WARDEN
Retail Director
Kurt Geiger has promoted Ross Warden to Retail Director as the Group sharpens its focus on retail and customer experience. Ross’s promotion follows 16 years at Kurt Geiger, most recently as Head of Retail.