Eric Morris has stepped down as Brand Collective CEO but will continue to work with the company in non-executive and advisory roles, and sit on its board.

David Thomas – who has previously run Country Road Group and David Jones – has been appointed as the new CEO of the business.

Morris was appointed CEO when Brand Collective merged with the PAS Group in March last year and has been with the company for 18 years. His most recent challenge was integrating the two entities and growing their portfolio.

Of his decision, Morris said: “It has truly been an amazing journey, from the formation of The PAS Group in 2005 following the acquisition of the Yarra Trail business by Private Equity, to my involvement in each subsequent acquisition of the PAS brands and to the delivery of the business as it stands today.”

Thomas said he is delighted to join Brand Collective and pledged to work with the team to enhance business performance and deliver on future growth opportunities.

Executive chairman of Brand Collective, Larry Kestelman, said the business is “positioned for a prosperous future” and thanked Morris for his contribution to building the brand.

Brand Collective is a multi-brand apparel, footwear and sports business which sells 27 leading Australian and international brands, including Reebok, Superdry, Everlast, Replay, Clarks, Julius Marlow, Hush Puppies, and Moox.