Superdry founder Dunkerton stepping down, donating some shares to charity

Julian Dunkerton, one of the founders of Superdry, has informed the company’s board that he wants to leave the firm and devote more time to his other business and charitable interests.

The FTSE 250 faux-Japanese fashion brand said Dunkerton would be stepping down from his position as a director with effect from 31 March.

His role in relation to product and brand would be continued by the creative teams that Dunkerton had helped Superdry to establish.

“I am immensely proud of everything achieved at Superdry over the past 15 years,” Julian Dunkerton said.

“As a fast-growing, innovative business, Superdry has always evolved to ensure it keeps delivering.

“With other demands on my time it is the right point for me to transition my focus and responsibilities.”

Peter Bamford, chairman of Superdry, added that with Superdry embarking on the next phase of its ambitious growth plans, and with other interests and opportunities available to Dunkerton, the pair had been talking “for some time” about the right time for him to move on from the business.

“I have enjoyed working closely with him over the last eight years and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Julian for his outstanding contribution in building Superdry into such a great brand.”

Additionally, Superdry said it was notified by Dunkerton on Monday that he intended to transfer ordinary shares up to the value of £1.16m to the Blue Marine Foundation by way of a personal donation.

The Blue Marine Foundation is a UK-registered charity that exists to protect the seas, by combating overfishing and the destruction of biodiversity with the creation of large scale marine reserves.

Reportedly, the donation was part of a wider legacy strategy that Dunkerton had been working on outside his interests in Superdry.

“We are so grateful to Julian Dunkerton for his generous and visionary support of the Blue Marine Foundation,” said foundation co-founder and CEO Chris Gorell Barnes.

“This will enable us to roll out our model of sustainable fishing which both revives marine life and means that fishermen can earn more for fishing less.”

Gorell Barnes said the foundation was “hugely excited” at being given the opportunity to transform the future of UK fishing.

“His ongoing commitment to our charity is hugely valued.”