Kathmandu hires first chief customer officer Eva Barrett
Kathmandu has appointed its first chief customer officer, Eva Barrett.
The appointment marks a return to Australia for Barrett, after spending 15 years in global marketing roles at Adidas, Philips and Carlton & United Breweries (CUB).
Barrett spent eight years at Phillips, leaving as global head of brand marketing and communication, integrated campaigns and brand content. At CUB, she was the global brand director of Rosemount and Lindemans. Most recently, she was the global head of brand comms and sports marketing for Adidas’ Heartbeat Sports division.
Barrett is Kathmandu’s first chief customer officer
CEO Reuben Casey said Barrett will take the Kathmandu brand global.
“Eva’s experience and expertise will accelerate our transition from an Australasian retailer to a global brand and further strengthen our focus on customers,” he said.
“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, customer centricity will be more important than ever, and to compete, brands will need to predict and respond to consumer expectations with more accuracy and efficiency than ever.”
Barrett has already introduced a same-day delivery service for online Katmandu orders in partnership with Uber. Products ordered before 3pm will be delivered that same day.
Barrett said the service will give Australians more flexibility as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
“Online delivery is an increasingly popular option for consumers as we continue to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery with Uber allows us to provide same-day, contactless deliveries and ensure people can get the items they need when they need them,” she said.
“Our brick and mortar stores will continue to offer personalised experiences and expertise for customers, but same-day delivery via Uber gives Australian’s more flexibility, especially during these uncertain times. If there’s a cold snap and you urgently need a puffer jacket we’ll have you covered.”
The delivery service is currently available in a 10km radius of the Blackburn, Frankston, Geelong, Melbourne CBD and Richmond stores in Victoria. It will be rolled out nationally over the coming months.
Kathmandu sales soared as lockdown was implemented, however the retailer remains cautious about longer-term prospects, as well as Australia’s economic recovery.
I cant believe this brand still lives. The product quality is terrible, and massively overpriced. Its a hoodwink brand.
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Congrats Eva, no doubt there is alot of work to do around the brand but with genuinely excited to see where you take it.
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The hell you on about? Awsome products abit pricey for me m, but great quality.
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Many congrats Eva, I’m sure you will take the company in many new directions. I do have one question to ask, that is as so many Australians are wanting to buy Australian made how will this affect Kathmandu, as products are all made in China. As I have been a long time customer of Kathmandu for nearly 20 years, I will cease purchasing until you start manufacturing in Australia or friendly countries like say Vietnam, anywhere but China ! ?
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