New chief executive Antonio Dus

The head of one of Europe’s top outdoors brands has resigned as its chief executive.

Marco Bramani has stepped down from the post at Vibram, makers of the soles used on millions of walking boots.

Mr Bramani, the grandson of the founder Vitale Bramani, after whom the brand is named, will continue as president and chairman of the board.

He has managed the company for the past 25 years, during which time revenue has increased more than ten-fold.

Marco Bramani developed the Chinese technological centre and founded the American subsidiary and also launched the innovative Vibram Fivefingers line.

A Vibram spokesperson said Mr Bramani would focus on the creative development of the brand.

His place as chief executive will be taken by Antonio Dus.

The spokesperson said: “This decision has been taken with the objective of accelerating the development of the brand especially with regard to innovation and high performance products.”

Marco Bramani added: “We are confident that Antonio will bring a new enthusiasm to this position, especially in the North American market where he has solid experience and expertise.”

The Italian company claims to be world leader in high performance rubber soles, targeted to the outdoor, recreation, work, fashion, orthopaedic and repair markets.

Vibram manufactures more than 40 million pairs of soles each year, carries out more than 1 million kilometres of tests, is present in 120 countries and has production sites, research departments and agency offices in the USA, China, Brazil and Italy.

Its soles have been used during extreme expeditions such as the conquest of Everest and K2 and transoceanic regattas including the America’s Cup and the Vendée Globe Challenge.