Jeff Rudes leaves J Brand

Jeff Rudes, the founder and chief executive of premium denim brand J Brand, is leaving the company. Japanese parent company

Fast Retailing, which acquired a majority stake in the Californian-based label in 2012, confirmed the exit and added that Andrew Rosen, Chief Executive Officer of Theory and Helmut Lang would serve as interim CEO until a replacement is named. Rosen will work with Lynne Koplin, president of J Brand, during the transition.

Fast Retailing’s president, chairman and CEO Tadashi Yanai said in a statement: “We are grateful for Jeff’s pioneering vision and spirit. He has assembled a stellar team of executives who I am confident will successfully advance the mission of making J Brand a global leader in premium denim. We wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

Rudes founded the popular denim brand, worn by many celebrities, with Susie Crippen in 2004. Crippen left the company in 2010.

Commenting on his exit, Rudes said: “After nine extraordinary years building J Brand, it’s time for me to move on and create what’s next. It took an amazing team of people to bring this company to where it is today, and I acknowledge each and every one of them for their contribution. I would like to thank Tadashi Yanai and Fast Retailing for a rewarding partnership over the last 18 months.”