Sealskinz has promoted Richard Edmonds to chief executive as outgoing boss Ian Blackman steps back after more than a decade with the outdoor clothing brand.

Edmonds joined the business in 2023 as chief marketing and digital officer before becoming chief operating officer in July 2025.

Prior to joining Sealskinz, he co-founded running underwear brand Runderwear, where he served as chief executive and later as an adviser.

Sealskinz, which is owned by Ted Baker founder Ray Kelvin, has been led by Blackman for the past three and a half years. He had previously served as chairman of the business.

Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Blackman said the time had come to “make way for the brand’s next chapter” and hand over the reins.

“It has been the honour to lead this incredible brand and team through its transformation into the modern, agile business it is today,” he said.

“To say we’ve seen an immense amount of change would be an understatement, but I leave feeling incredibly proud of the platform we’ve built and the team that is now ready to fuel its future growth.”

Blackman said Edmonds had played a central role in driving Sealskinz’s recent digital and commercial strategy.

“I am so incredibly pleased to share that Richard Edmonds will be stepping up as our new CEO,” he said.

“Over the last 2.5 years, he has been the engine behind our digital growth and global sales strategy. He has a clear, ambitious mission for Sealskinz, and he has my and the board’s fullest support.”

Sealskinz is known for its waterproof outdoor accessories and apparel, including socks, gloves and hats, serving customers across cycling, running, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter