Icebreaker has appointed Rob Fyfe as its new executive chairman to replace Noel Todd, who is stepping down after 18 years. Fyfe will assume the new role at the outdoor clothing brand in September, after serving on the company's board for 12 months. Fyfe led Air New Zealand as chief executive until December 2012 and has been credited with driving a turnaround in the airline's strategy, as well as keeping it profitable in tough economic time. He also sits on the boards of Trilogy and Antarctica New Zealand. Icebreaker is one of New Zealand's global success stories, with 400 staff around the world and stores in Australasia, Europe and North America. It is just now opening a new store in Toronto. The company is evolving from a wholesale to a multi-channel business, while also boosting its internet presence. About 20 percent of its sales in the U.S. are now being made online. The company is also on the lookout for a head of marketing and plans to hire 10 Auckland-based marketing and graphic design staff over the next nine months.

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