Fashion retail guru Jane Shepherdson is being courted by Baugur for a top operational role, most likely at its Whistles brand.
The Icelandic investor is believed to have approached Shepherdson to head the womenswear chain – part of Mosaic – but she has yet to make a decision.
A source close to the retailer said: “Baugur has talked to Shepherdson and is interested in finding ways to work with her.”
However, it is believed the hiring would not signal a management reshuffle at Mosaic, which also owns Oasis, Coast, Warehouse, Principles and Karen Millen.
This summer, Mosaic poached former head of Inditex UK Mike Shearwood to become deputy chief executive. His appointment prompted speculation that chief executive Derek Lovelock would become chairman and Shearwood his successor, ahead of a possible stock market listing in the UK.
Shepherdson, who is adviser to ethical clothing and accessories brand People Tree, quit Topshop in October last year.
Upmarket Whistles has 34 shops and 36 concessions in the UK and Ireland and eight outlets overseas. It also launched a transactional web site this month.
Baugur declined to comment.
> TM Lewin has launched concessions in seven Baugur-owned House of Fraser department stores. It will consider a roll-out within House of Fraser and other department stores after a review.
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