Jigsaw interim CEO steps into non-executive role as chairman retires

Jigsaw interim CEO Chris Stephenson will move into the role of non-executive director at the premium fashion retailer as Charles Atterton announces his decision to retire from the role of chairman.

Stephenson joined the business from London-based brand house Pentland, where he had been president of its Active Division, in July of last year. He replaced Peter Ruis who went on to join Anthropologie as managing director of the international business.

The role of interim CEO will now be passed to Toby Foreman, who has been group HR director of Jigsaw for the past four years. The current board of senior directors will report into Foreman and as a whole to the board and the shareholders.

Atterton, who has held several roles with Jigsaw for the past 20 years, has also announced his retirement.

Recent performance over the key Christmas trading period had been strong, the company said, with UK like-for-like sales over the 10 weeks to 22 December 2018 increasing by +6.3% compared to the same period last year.

Both own stores and online performed well, with Jigsaw UK like-for-like stores at +6%, and Jigsaw online at +17% over the same period compared to last year.

"This was supported by a strong product offer, as well as developing the omni-channel customer proposition, including investment in online, and a continued focus on the in-store experience.

"Jigsaw is grateful for all the hard work of all our colleagues.  We will continue to invest in our people and product to further develop and enhance the quality of our customer proposition," the company said in a statement.