Nasty Gal founder steps down as CEO

Sophia Amoruso, the founder of fashion retailer Nasty Gal, has stepped down as CEO and promoted president Sheree Waterson to the role, effective immediately.

Amoruso, who took Nasty Gal from a vintage clothing eBay shop to a global e-commerce company cashing in more than 100 million dollars in revenue, will continue as executive chairman, overseeing the creative and brand marketing functions of the business, “providing leadership on Nasty Gal's voice, vision, and customer experience both on and offline”.

"Sheree brings a wealth of experience in both business and leadership that will help guide us into the next phases of our growth,” said Amoruso. “In the past eleven months alone, we have already seen the impacts of Sheree's strategic thinking and approach in our product offering and experience. She has established herself as an inspiring leader here at Nasty Gal and I am confident in her ability to execute on our vision."

Waterson joined Nasty Gal in early 2014 as president and chief product officer, overseeing the merchandising, design, planning, and production functions of the company, and according to the press release she played an “integral role” in the opening of the brands first store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.

Sophia Amoruso steps down as CEO of Nasty Gal and promotes Sheree Waterson

In her new role as CEO, she will be partnering with Amoruso, to evolve Nasty Gal into a dominant retail presence. With this appointment, Waterson has also joined the Nasty Gal board of directors.

Commenting on her appointment, Waterson said: "I am excited to support Sophia and lead Nasty Gal in this new chapter. We have an incredible team that has made huge strides in a short time and I look forward to executing on the significant opportunity ahead of us. The future is bright."

Prior to Nasty Gal, Waterson served as executive vice president and chief product officer at activewear company Lululemon, president of Speedo North America, and was also vice president of merchandising, women’s for Levi Strauss & Co.

Nasty Gal primarily online specialises in fashion clothing, shoes and accessories for young women opened its first retail location in Hollywood in November 2014. The online store serves over one million customers in more than 180 countries, with about 25 percent of its sales coming from outside of the US, which is aided by its immense social media following of more than 3.5 million fans.

Image: Nasty Gal - Sophia Amoruso and Sheree Waterson