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NEW YORK, United States — The leadership shuffle at J.Crew continues. BoF has learned that Somsack Sikhounmuong — who effectively replaced Jenna Lyons, taking up the role of chief design officer after she exited the company in March — is resigning from the company. He oversaw the design of J.Crew's women's, men's and Crewcuts childrenswear lines. A representative for the company confirmed the departure.
"While we are sad to see him leave, we respect his decision and wish him all the best," said a representative for J.Crew. "His current responsibilities, which include the oversight of all product design, will be transitioned to other members of our very seasoned and talented design team currently in place."
Sikhounmuong had been at J.Crew since 2001, and spent his first 12 years designing accessories and apparel at the namesake brand before taking the design lead at sister label Madewell from 2012 to 2015, when he returned to J.Crew as head women's designer.
In June, chief executive Millard "Mickey" Drexler also exited, retaining his position as chairman. He was succeeded by Jim Brett, the former president of home furnishings company West Elm, who has been charged with righting the debt-laden, troubled retailer after years of lackluster performance amidst a rapidly changing retail market.
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Even as members of J.Crew’s old guard depart, Brett is already ushering in new talent, including Geren Lockhart as executive vice president of marketplace and emerging brands. The advertising exec-turned-designer previously ran a contemporary label, Geren Ford, and designed a line for Urban Outfitters in 2008 when Brett was the company’s chief merchandising officer. She later consulted for him at West Elm.
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