Historic firm parts company with managing director

Somerset footwear firm Clarks has confirmed its managing director has stepped down from his role.

Joe Ulloa, who joined the business in 2017, was managing director for the historic firm for the UK, Ireland, the Middle East and Africa.

Chief executive Jonathan Ram will  head up the UK team until a successor is appointed.

Ulloa originally came on board as retail and franchise director and became managing director in 2019.

He had previously worked at Halfords, Snow & Rock Group, L’Occitane, Blacks Leisure and Gap.

A spokesperson for the firm, which Is based in Street, said: “Clarks can confirm that after a successful period with the business, Joe Alloa has stepped down from his role as managing director for the UK, ROI & MEA and has left Clarks. CEO Jon Ram is leading the UK & Ireland team in the interim period as Clarks recruits Joe’s replacement.”

Last year the firm, which is almost 200 years old, reported a return to profit as stores reopened after Covid-19 restrictions were eased.

It also secured a £100m rescue deal from a Far East private equity firm in 202o after entering into a company voluntary agreement.

Ram, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, has extensive footwear and apparel leadership experience.

Clarks was founded in 1825, when brothers James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts.

Clarks is now a global business operating retail, wholesale, franchise, and online channels in over 100 markets.