Adventure apparel retailer Kathmandu has confirmed the return of its CEO Peter Halkett to the helm.
Halkett was granted granted extended leave of up to three months earlier this year to enable him to fully recuperate following a severe infection he suffered after a routine medical procedure in April.
However, according to the company, Halkett has now fully recovered and will resume his post and full duties as CEO of Kathmandu from this week.
Finance director Mark Todd had served as acting CEO while Halkett was on leave.
As previously reported on ragtrader.com.au, Kathmandu recently confirmed it is on track to boost its empire significantly over the next few months, backed by strong third quarter sales.
The group reported total group sales for the 13 weeks from January 28 to April 28 at $89.7 million. The figure translates to a lift of 12.5 per cent on the equivalent 13 week period in 2012 at constant exchange rates.
Same store sales for the same period rose 4.1 per cent on 2012 at constant exchange rates, with sales through to end of March impacted by warm and dry autumn in both Australia and New Zealand, according to the company.
At the time, Kathmandu said the company was also confident of its guidance for 2013 full year sales and remains confident of a strong performance for the fiscal full year 2013.
The company also flagged key areas of opportunity and on-going investment, including:
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Store rollout: 170 store target for Australia / New Zealand, at least three years ahead.
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Existing store network improvement: A portion of existing portfolio to be re-aligned to its market and product positioning.
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Online and digital: Key to profitable expansion into international markets.
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Enhanced product offering: Focus on improved GMROI supported by improved systems in medium term.
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Summit club: Target of one million active members achievable by end 2015, and further potential to grow, especially in Australia.
Kathmandu said it was also on track to complete its company-wide re-brand by the end of this month, which has seen more than 112 stores switched over to the new branding to date.