Managing Director

A globally recognised consumer accessories business, part of a Global CPG Group of brands, is seeking an exceptional Managing Director to lead its next phase of growth. This is a rare opportunity to own full P&L accountability for a premium accessories brand with strong retail distribution, international licensing partnerships, and a loyal, engaged consumer following across EMEA and North America.

The incoming GM will inherit a healthy commercial foundation and a clear mandate: accelerate EBITDA performance, deepen strategic partnerships, and build the brand's presence in untapped channels and geographies.

The Role

Reporting to the Global SVP, the General Manager holds full ownership of strategy, product roadmap, P&L, and organisational leadership. You will set the commercial direction, drive margin improvement, and ensure the business meets its short- and long-term EBITDA targets.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team spanning product development, brand, marketing, and operations, while serving as the primary relationship owner for key licensing partners, brand partnerships and retail strategies.

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• Own the full studio P&L; set and deliver annual EBITDA targets in line with group expectations
• Define and execute a three-year commercial strategy covering product, channel, pricing, and partnerships
• Identify and capitalise on white space opportunities within the accessories category
• Lead business planning cycles, including budgeting, forecasting, and quarterly performance reporting to SVP
• Drive margin improvement through disciplined cost management, sourcing strategy, and operational efficiency

Product & Brand

• Oversee the development and commercialisation of new product lines, ensuring the innovation pipeline stays ahead of market trends
• Maintain brand integrity and premium positioning across all consumer touchpoints
• Ensure marketing investment is allocated against the highest-return opportunities; challenge the team to improve the effectiveness of campaigns

Partnerships & Stakeholders

• Serve as the principal point of contact for licensing and IP partners, ensuring commercial alignment and relationship health
• Build productive relationships with distribution units, retail buyers, and key accounts across key markets
• Represent the business externally at trade events, partner meetings, and industry forums

People & Organisation

• Lead, coach, and develop a senior leadership team; create a culture of accountability, ambition, and continuous improvement
• Ensure organisational design reflects the strategic priorities of the business at each stage of growth
• Build succession depth and retain top talent through visible development and empowerment

The Person

We are looking for a commercially and operationally driven, people-oriented leader who has built and grew branded consumer product businesses, ideally in categories where partnership and licensing are central to the commercial model.

Experience & Background

• Significant P&L ownership experience, with a track record of delivering EBITDA growth in a branded consumer product environment
• Background in CPG, licensed consumer goods, or branded accessories, with a deep understanding of retail distribution, product margin management, and channel strategy
• Ideally, hands-on experience with Supply Chain and Product Innovation from the source (the Far East).
• Proven experience managing complex multi-stakeholder environments, including licensors, retail partners, and internal matrix organisations
• Experience leading cross-functional teams across product, marketing, and commercial functions.
• International experience; comfortable operating across European and North American markets

Leadership & Personal Qualities

• A decisive, hands-on leader who combines strategic clarity with operational rigour
• Strong commercial instinct, able to identify growth levers quickly and allocate resources accordingly
• Highly effective communicator and relationship builder; skilled at navigating both internal and external stakeholders
• Energised by building: able to establish culture, cadence, and commercial discipline in a growing business
• Comfortable with ambiguity; brings structure without bureaucracy

Location & Structure

The role is based in the Netherlands, Belgium, or Germany, with regular travel across Europe and periodic international travel. Candidates must have the right to work in either location.