J.Crew’s longtime creative director Jenna Lyons quits

J.Crew Group has announced the departure of its president and executive creative director Jenna Lyons. The company said, she will remain with J.Crew as a creative advisor until the end of her current contract, which expires in December 2017.

Commenting on Lyons’ exit, Millard Drexler, Chairman and CEO of J.Crew, stated in a statement, "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."

Jenna Lyons departs J.Crew after 26 years

Lyons has been associated with the company for 26 years and served as president and executive creative director since 2012. Prior to 2012, she held various design positions across the organization. J.Crew has decided not to find a replacement for Lyons and her current responsibilities, which include the oversight of all product design, visual and brand presentation, the company added, will be transitioned to other members of the J.Crew executive team.

"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," Lyons said in the statement.

Somsack Sikhounmuong named Chief Design Officer

The company further announced that 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. Sikhounmuong has been with J.Crew since 2001, in senior design roles, and from 2013-2015 served as head of design for Madewell. He will report directly to Drexler.

"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,” added Drexler.

Picture:Facebook/J.Crew