What's Happening?
Chris Waters, the brand marketing director for JD Sports in the UK and Europe, has departed the company to assume the role of chief marketing officer at German Doner Kebab. Waters, who announced his career move on LinkedIn, officially joined the fast-growing food retailer on September 1, 2025. During his tenure at JD Sports, Waters was responsible for managing marketing budgets, campaign planning, media investments, and public relations across the UK and Europe. His career includes significant experience in the FMCG and fashion retail sectors, having previously worked at Morrisons and Asda. German Doner Kebab is currently pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy, aiming to open 300 restaurants in the UK and achieve £400 million in sales by 2028.
Why It's Important?
This transition highlights a significant shift in the career of a seasoned marketing professional and underscores the dynamic nature of the retail and food sectors. Waters' move to German Doner Kebab comes at a time when the company is poised for substantial growth, which could impact the competitive landscape of the fast-food industry in the UK. His expertise in marketing and retail could play a crucial role in achieving the company's ambitious expansion goals. For JD Sports, the departure of a key marketing figure occurs amid a challenging trading environment, as the company reported a dip in like-for-like sales in recent quarters. This change may influence JD Sports' future marketing strategies and its ability to navigate the current market conditions.
What's Next?
As German Doner Kebab embarks on its expansion plan, Chris Waters will likely focus on leveraging his extensive marketing experience to enhance brand visibility and drive sales growth. The company's strategy to open 300 new locations by 2028 will require robust marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships, areas where Waters' expertise could be invaluable. Meanwhile, JD Sports will need to address the gap left by Waters' departure and potentially restructure its marketing team to maintain its market position. The company's response to this leadership change could affect its performance in the competitive sportswear market.
