Dr. Martens Creative Director Darren McKoy is stepping down from his position after a decade with the footwear company.
In a Monday LinkedIn post announcing his departure, McKoy said he made the decision to exit early last year to “embrace new opportunities and creative challenges.”
“It wasn’t an easy choice, as you can imagine, but I feel now is the right time to close this amazing chapter and start writing the next,” McKoy said.
The U.K.-based company has not announced a replacement. In a statement to sister publication Fashion Dive, a Dr. Martens spokesperson said McKoy played a significant role in the brand’s journey.
“His passion for Docs, and his drive to support the brand’s growth across all markets has been valued by everyone, and we wish him the very best in his new endeavours,” the spokesperson said.
McKoy joined Dr. Martens in January 2015 as the global category manager of footwear. He was promoted to global product and merchandising director in 2017 and creative director in 2021. Prior to joining Dr. Martens, he worked at Asics, VF Corp. and Adidas, according to his LinkedIn.
“Exactly 10 years to the week, I joined the brand at a time when it was ready to take bold risks,” McKoy said in the post. “With an amazing set of passionate people — both long-standing and new — true brand ambassadors who shared an unwavering belief in its potential, we helped transform the business from a circa £136M company to a £1BN powerhouse.”
Dr. Martens last reported earnings in November 2024. For the first half of its fiscal year, the company reported an 18% year-over-year revenue drop to 324.6 million pounds, or about $406 million. The company has continued to face challenges in the U.S., its largest market. During the first half, it reported Americas revenue of 114.7 million pounds, a 22.3% drop.
McKoy’s announcement comes as the company prepares for new leadership. Ije Nwokorie is set to take the CEO position following the exit of former CEO Kenny Wilson, who said he would step down at the end of 2024. Nwokorie was most recently Dr. Martens’ chief brand officer.
