J.Crew Group Inc. announced that Jenna Lyons, president and executive creative director, will be leaving the company. Lyons will remain with J.Crew as a creative advisor until the end of her current contract, which expires in December 2017.
Lyons has been with J.Crew for 26 years and has served as president and executive creative director since 2012. Prior to 2012, Lyons held various design positions across the organization. J.Crew will not be replacing Lyons. Her current responsibilities, which include the oversight of all product design, visual and brand presentation, will be transitioned to other members of the J.Crew executive team.
Somsack Sikhounmuong, currently 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, effective immediately. Sikhounmuong has been with J.Crew since 2001, in senior design roles, and from 2013-2015 served as head of design for Madewell where he was a key contributor to the brand’s success. Sikhounmuong will report directly to Millard Drexler, chairman and CEO.
Drexler stated, “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Jenna as my trusted partner for the past 14 years. She has made many significant contributions to J.Crew and has built an incredibly talented team. J.Crew is focused on continuing the progress underway as we execute on our strategic initiatives and position the company for the long term. We have taken important steps to improve our performance and are confident that the team in place will continue these efforts.”
Drexler continued, “Somsack and our design teams have a deep understanding of the aesthetic and style our customers rely on J.Crew to deliver, with a proven track record of driving creative vision in-line with our brand DNA. We are excited to extend Somsack’s vision across all design categories and look forward to the team’s contributions. As always, delivering the very best product, value and brand experience across channels is our top priority. We look forward to this next chapter and thank Jenna for her continued dedication to our team and passion for our brand.”
Lyons stated, “It has been beyond my wildest dreams to work with such an amazing team of people at such an incredible brand and alongside Mickey — one of retail’s most talented visionaries. I am excited about the next chapter for J.Crew as well as the opportunity for other creative leaders within the organization to step up and take on new responsibilities. Having spent the better part of my life with J.Crew, I feel an immense pride and love for everyone at the company as well as for our loyal J.Crew customers. I look forward to supporting our team through this natural transition.”
J.Crew said it continues to make meaningful and strategic changes across the organization to better position it for future growth. The Company has been strengthening its operations to be able to move more quickly to address today’s fast changing world, focusing on sales productivity with new merchandising and marketing initiatives, which are expected to enhance customer loyalty and extend brand reach. Several other key operational initiatives are underway to position the company to optimize its global sourcing and supply chain, with continued reviews of all aspects of the business to drive further efficiencies in the year ahead.
Photo courtesy J.Crew
