Jane McNally to exit Jacques Vert

McNally, who joined womenswear business Irisa (formally Alexon) as chief executive in 2008, was made deputy chief executive of the combined Irisa Jacques Vert business in January of this year following the sale of both businesses to private equity house Sun European.

As a result of the merger, Jacques Vert boss Paul Allen was made chief executive of the combined business, with McNally assuming the role of deputy chief executive.  

At the time, McNally agreed to stay with the business to help oversee the transition period and to support Jacques Vert in developing a strategic vision for the combined group.

The strategic review is now finalised and as the transition phase nears completion, McNally has decided to step down from her role in order to explore other career opportunities.

“I have enjoyed the challenge of working to integrate the Jacques Vert and Irisa Group businesses since their merger at the beginning of the year,” said McNally.

“As we near the end of this integration process I have taken the decision to leave the business and will take a short break before exploring other opportunities in my career.

“With Sun European’s invaluable support, the combined Jacques Vert and Irisa Group businesses are now a powerful force in the sector and I am proud to have played a part in their ongoing development. I wish the team the very best of luck for the future.”

No formal date for McNally’s departure from the business has been given.

Paul Allen, chief executive of Jacques Vert, added: “We would like to  thank Jane for her support and contribution to both the Irisa Group and Jacques Vert businesses and wish her every success for the future.”

The combined Irisa and Jacques Vert business includes the mainstream womenswear brands Alexon, Jacques Vert, Kaliko, Eastex, Planet as well as plus-size brand Ann Harvey and petit brands Precis and Minuet.  Alexon collapsed into administration last year before being bought by Sun European.

In May it was announced that the staff at Irisa Group’s head office in Luton would be placed into consultation regarding a potential office move to London in order to be combined with the Jacques Vert head office.