Mulberry shares slide after designer's departure

It seems fashion brands are not immune to the loss of their creative

heads. News following the departure of Emma Hill at Mulberry has had a quick affect on the company's stock, which saw shares plummet following the announcement.

Hill, who has been widely credited with helping to turn the firm into a globally recognised brand, is thought to have had a fall-out over the company's creative and operational strategy.

Hill's departure saw Mulberry's shares drop 8.2 percent and the company is due to report its annual profits on Thursday which analysts expect to reveal a fall.

The firm has issued two profit warnings in the past year.

John Cummins, retail analyst at WH Ireland, said: "This causes some uncertainty. The long-term potential in Mulberry is exciting, but I think they are going through growing pains."

Mulberry's shares closed at 980p.