The chief executive of fashion retailer Whistles, Jane Shepherdson, has resigned after eight years at the helm.

The business, which has 46 stores in the UK and is majority-owned by South African retailer The Foschini Group, will now be steered by brand director Helen Williamson, managing director Justin Hampshire and creative director Nick Passmore.

Shepherdson said she planned to spend her time focusing on her charity projects and travelling.

“I am really proud of what we have achieved at Whistles and am confident that I am handing over to a strong team in Helen, Justin and Nick, to continue the development of the brand,” she said.

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