J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler to step down after 14 years, names successor
Hot on the heels of longtime Creative Director Jenna Lyons leaving J.Crew in April, Mickey Drexler will step down as CEO after over a decade with the retail brand.
He will be succeeded by Jim Brett, formerly president of West Elm, who will take the reins in July.
In an exclusive interview with WWD, Drexler says he is "relaxed-ish" about handing over the company to Brett.
Drexler, however, is not leaving completely. He will stay on at J.Crew as chairman of the company. He said to Business of Fashion in a statement, "I look forward to moving into my new role and assist Jim and the team in every way possible to help ensure a smooth and successful transition."
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In all the time that Drexler and Jenna Lyons spent working together at J.Crew, they transformed not only the brand, but the way that Americans dress. It will be fascinating to see what's next for the label without the two people who have driven the brand's aesthetic forward for so many years.
Jim Brett said of joining the company:
"I'm honoured to work with J.Crew's talented team of leaders, board of directors and Mickey, who have built an iconic American brand. J.Crew has tremendous opportunity to play a more meaningful role in our lives, and I look forward to leading it through its next phase of growth."