American fashion retailer, J.Crew announces that Jenna Lyons, President and Executive Creative Director, will be leaving the company. Lyons has been with the J.Crew Group for 26 years and will continue as a Creative Adviser until the end of her contract in December 2017. The news comes at a time when specialty retailers like J.Crew are massively hit by the popularity of fast-fashion brands and are constantly reporting dwindling sales.
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Jenna Lyons joined the company fresh out of Parsons at the age of 21 and has worked her way up to top, taking up her current position in 2012. Her outstanding partnership with Chairman and CEO, Micky Drexler played a big role in her journey who called her departure a mutual decision, saying, “Jenna and I got together and we both agreed it was time for a change. That being said, she has plans to do other things. It has been a great run. There’s a lot of mutual respect between Jenna and me.”
During her years with J.Crew, Jenna was not just the Creative Head but also a public face for the brand that specializes in clothing that is chic but work wear appropriate.
J.Crew has also clarified that there will be no replacement and her current responsibilities, including the oversight of all product design, visual and brand presentation, will move to the executive team. However, Somsack Sikhounmuong, Current Head of Women’s Design, will be promoted to Chief Design Officer, which will include the oversight of the women’s, men’s and crewcuts design teams, with immediate effect.
