Key Esprit hire quits after just one year in the role

A key executive hired as part of fashion label Esprit’s turnaround plan has quit unexpectedly after just one year in the role.

The company revealed in a stock-exchange announcement that chief product and brand officer Mia Ouakim has stepped down from her role at the group to pursue her career outside the company.

The former Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger executive took the position early last year as part of the struggling fashion retailer’s turnaround plan. The firm said that during her tenure, Ouakim unified the brand and product teams under one strategy and led improvement in product performance by reducing options and establishing “a clear collection architecture”. She additionally spearheaded the development of “important brand-building capsules and collaborations”.

Esprit’s board has appointed Daniel Mayer, previously the head of wholesale Europe and Americas SVP within the company, as the firm’s incoming CPO.

“Mayer has a unique understanding of Esprit’s core customer and markets and brings a proven track record in strategy, product development, sales and leadership,” said Esprit.