Robert Hanson, the former President of Levi’s and now a Non-Executive Director at Dr. Martens, has purchased 96,000 shares in the British footwear company, an investment valued at over £75,000.

Hanson joined the Dr. Martens board in February 2025, where he supports Chairman Paul Mason, CEO Ije Nwokorie, and the wider leadership team as the company enters what it describes as the next chapter of its development.

His career spans several decades in the global fashion and retail sector, including nearly 24 years at Levi’s headquarters in San Francisco between 1988 and 2011. During that time, he helped build an executive team credited with “maximised returns/cash flow from the North American and European businesses.” He later served as CEO of American Eagle Outfitters and held senior roles such as EVP and President of Constellation Brands’ Wine & Spirits division. Hanson is also currently CEO of The Duckhorn Portfolio.

The share purchase comes shortly after Dr. Martens unveiled its first-ever ‘beacon’ flagship store at 39 Brewer Street in London’s Soho. The 3,400 sq ft space includes a dedicated Made in England area and an in-store Doctor’s Orders Café, complementing the brand’s existing locations on Carnaby Street, Oxford Street and Neal Street in Covent Garden.

In October, the company confirmed new international expansion efforts, announcing distribution agreements in the United Arab Emirates and Latin America. Dr. Martens signed a partnership with Beside Group to launch in the UAE, marking its debut in the region, and expanded its Latin American presence through distributor Crosby, which recently opened a store in Santiago, Chile. This follows the opening of a Buenos Aires location earlier in the year.

These moves form part of Dr. Martens’ strategy to pursue fresh global growth opportunities and increase its footprint in new markets.