Banana Republic artistic director steps down

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Oct 3, 2013

Gap sister-brand banana republic has announced that Simon Kneen, artistic director and executive vice president of design, will be stepping down from his role at the brand, effective December 31. He has been in the position since 2008.

Jack Calhoun, Banana Republic’s global brand president said: ‘In the last five years with the brand, Simon has led with passion, creativity, and a thoughtful approach to designing modern and versatile styles for professional men and women.’

He added: ‘As we compete to win on the global stage, now is the right time to make a change,’

Kneen’s last collection will be for spring-summer 2014. Julie Rosen, a 19-year veteran of Gap Inc., will continue in her role as EVP of Banana Republic North America, leading merchandising and inventory management for the specialty business.

Banana Republic is sold across the brand’s network of 650 directly-operated stores, the majority of which are located in the United States (581 as of January 28). The company also owns stores in Asia and as well as in Great Britain, France and Italy in Europe. In 2012, the company posted revenue of 2.8 billion dollars, up 8% on the previous year.