Michael Hapgood, a founding director of Accent Group, has tabled his resignation and is expected to wrap-up his role on August 21, 2026.
As founding director, Hapgood has been involved on and off with the company since it was initially launched in 1988, beginning as marketing director. He was named CEO ten years later and held the role until RCG Group acquired the business in 2015.
Hapgood was then named chairman when RCG took control of Accent, and held the role until mid-2016 when all ongoing executive roles were relinquished.
RCG Group was renamed to Accent Group in 2017, changing its ticker to AX1 on the ASX. Hapgood has held a board seat ever since.
Today, Accent manages around 30 brands and retailers in the footwear and apparel space, including the likes of Hoka, Platypus, Hype DC, Timberland and The Athlete’s Foot, all either under license, owned or franchise.
According to the board, Hapgood is exiting for personal reasons. They added that he has played an important role in the development of major initiatives for the business.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Michael for his significant contribution and devotion to the company over the years,” chairman Lawrence Myers said. “His experience and measured input to the Board has been invaluable and will be missed. We wish Michael all the best with his future endeavours.”
Hapgood’s resignation comes as Accent Group fields a takeover bid from Frasers Group in the United Kingdom.
The board shared that his exit does not affect the unanimous recommendation of the company’s independent board committee (IBC) that Accent shareholders reject the unsolicited onmarket takeover bid made by Frasers Group. Frasers is the owner of Sports Direct, which Accent manages the license for in Australia and New Zealand.