LK Bennett has appointed East’s chief executive Erika Vilkauls to succeed Darren Topp, who will step down from the helm of the fashion retailer next month.
Topp has exited the retailer after taking the reins in September 2016 following a stint at the helm of BHS, which tumbled into administration in April of that year.
It is not clear whether Topp has a new role lined up.
LK Bennet chairman Patrick Woodall said: “Darren has done an outstanding job and has achieved many of the objectives he set when he joined the business in 2016.
“He has built a firm platform for the business’ future growth and has seen the results of his efforts in an improved profitability in this financial year.
“Having discussed the next stage of the company’s journey with Darren earlier this year, we agreed that now would be the right time for Darren to move on to new challenges that he had in mind, with Erica in place as his successor.”
His successor Vilkauls has been interim chief executive of beleaguered fashion firm East since November 2016. The retailer slumped into administration in January for the third time in four years.
Her role marks a return to LK Bennett, where she was previously merchandise director between 2006 and 2009.
Vilkaul has previously acted as chief operating officer for Thomas Pink and a business transformation consultant at Mamas & Papas.
Vilkauls said: “I am looking forward to continuing the excellent work that Darren and the team have done over the past two years, at this exciting time for the brand”.
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