New Zealand children’s footwear brand, Bobux, has appointed consumer retail heavyweight Monica Yianakis as the company’s new CEO this month. Bobux Board of Directors chairperson, Paul Connell, says the company is thrilled to have Yianakis take Bobux into its next phase of life. “Monica’s extensive consumer goods and retail experience, combined with strategic leadership and brand expertise, will amplify our track record of global growth,” he says.
Bobux began 30 years ago in an Auckland garage after its founders wanted to make comfortable, stylish shoes that were good for their children’s feet. It’s now an omnichannel global business in 43 markets around the world, including the UK, Europe and US.
Connell says he believes Yianakis will help elevate the company into a major international brand; to become known as one of the world’s leading children’s shoe companies. “We’re excited to see Monica’s technology-focused, visionary mindset in action within the Bobux operation,” he adds.
Yianakis joins Bobux from beverage company, Lion (a Kirin subsidiary).
There she held multiple leadership roles, most recently as Strategic Innovation Director and Retail Director, where she led a staff of 200 employees. Prior to Lion, Yianakis held senior roles at Frucor, Nestle and Danone.
Yianakis says she was enticed by the challenge of developing Bobux into a family household name, worldwide. “The potential for these revolutionary shoes is huge,” she says. “While they’re already being worn from New Zealand to the UK and the US to Germany, there are so many more little feet who can make their childhood journeys in Bobux shoes.”
Since 2019, Bobux has experienced double-digit global growth.
The UK is a foundation market for Bobux and makes up 26% of its global sales revenue. For ecommerce specifically, the UK makes up 36% of Bobux’s total online sales revenue. Bobux’s award success in the UK, meanwhile, includes Gold in the Junior Design Awards and Made For Mum Awards; recognition of its expertise in combining foot health, comfort and performance with excellent design.
Yianakis takes over from Acting CEO Matt Smith (currently CFO), who stepped in when Andrew Sharp departed in June 2021. For further information on Bobux, please click here.
