The board of Articore Group Limited – parent company of Australian-born print-on-demand fashion and accessories marketplace Redbubble – has added group CEO Vivek Kumar to the board as managing director, effective today, August 6.
This comes two months after Kumar took on the role as group CEO, ousting Redbubble co-founder Martin Hosking. Prior to that, Kumar was the CEO of marketplaces and TeePublic under the group since 2022.
The latest move also comes amid a board and leadership stoush brought on by Hosking and former board chair Richard Cawsey. Cawsey and Hosking are calling for a full overhaul of the board, with new appointees already named. An EGM is set for August 22.
Articore board chair Robin Mendelson said Kumar's new appointment reflects the board's clear focus on performance, accountability and long-term shareholder value.
“Under his leadership, the group has delivered a step-change in results, including our strongest fourth quarter in five years and record gross profit margin,” Mendelson said. “This appointment reinforces our confidence in Vivek’s ability to execute the turnaround and deliver sustained value through operational discipline and strategic focus.”
Kumar added that he is honoured to serve as managing director.
“The board and I share a strong alignment on what value creation means, delivering results for all stakeholders – customers, creators, employees, and importantly, shareholders,” Kumar said. “I have deeply appreciated the board’s commitment to transparency, urgency, and operational understanding of our marketplaces.
“We have developed a foundation together, and I look forward to continuing our work to accelerate the turnaround and position Articore for long-term success.”
The terms of Kumar’s employment remain materially the same as the terms announced to ASX on June 5, which stated his annual remuneration US$580,000 per annum (~A$895,000).
A one-off senior executive retention bonus of US$260,000, paid 30 per cent in October 2025 and 70 per cent in April 2026, is also on the cards. The bonus is based on achievement of company financial targets and remaining an employee of the company.