Antler, a premium luggage company, has named Kirsty Glenne as its new Chief Executive Officer. She steps up from her role as Managing Director, which she held for almost four years. In this new position, Glenne will lead the company’s shift into the Antler House of Brands and steer its next stage of global growth.
As CEO, Glenne will manage a multi-brand portfolio centered on Antler. This portfolio also includes Paravel, a US luxury travel brand recently acquired, and the international side of the Australian travel brand Nere.
Her leadership will focus on expanding these brands globally while strengthening Antler’s position in the premium travel market.
The company said Glenne will play a key role in accelerating Nere’s international expansion and supporting the relaunch of Paravel in the US luxury travel market later this year.
Glenne has been central to Antler’s recent revival. Since becoming Managing Director in 2022, she has helped reshape the brand’s identity and drive consistent revenue growth.
During her tenure, the company strengthened its global distribution across wholesale, e-commerce platforms, and marketplaces. At the same time, the brand positioned itself strongly as “The British Travel Brand.”
Under her leadership, Antler has also introduced new product lines, including clothing, and launched bold marketing campaigns aimed at modern travellers.
Antler has a history spanning over 100 years, but it has faced major challenges in recent times.
The company was previously owned by the private equity firm Endless, which acquired it from LDC in 2017. Later, entrepreneur Michael Lewis purchased the business through ATR Brands, just before the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the global travel industry.
In May 2020, Antler went into administration and closed its stores. But later that year, ATR Brands bought the business back and started rebuilding the brand despite tough market conditions.
Since its comeback, Antler has steadily gained momentum. The company reported annual sales of about £45 million and has big plans for the future.
The company aims to become a £100 million brand by fiscal year 2029, driven by international growth and the development of several travel-focused brands.
Before joining Antler, Kirsty Glenne held senior leadership roles in luxury retail. She worked with major brands like Alexander McQueen, part of the Kering Group, and the luxury skincare brand Dr Barbara Sturm.
Her experience in global fashion and luxury businesses is expected to play an important role as Antler continues to expand its presence worldwide.
With Glenne leading the Antler House of Brands, the company is gearing up for a new era focused on innovation, global reach, and a wider range of premium travel brands.
