Jack Wills founder Peter Williams ousted by owners

Jack Wills founder Peter Williams has reportedly been pushed out of the business following a row with its private equity owner BlueGem.

According to The Sunday Times, Williams is currently finalising the terms of his departure.

It’s thought that cashflow problems and being hit by the fall of the sterling led to clashes between Williams and BlueGem.

Former Debenhams trading director Suzanne Harlow has reportedly been lined up Jack Wills’ new boss once Williams departs.

Williams opened the first Jack Wills store alongside friend Rob Shaw in 1999.

Williams’ exit would be his second departure from the fashion retailer he created in 1999, when he opened the first Jack Wills store alongside Rob Shaw.

He first resigned in 2013, when Jack Wills was being tipped for a £500 million IPO.

However, Williams returned as chief executive in 2015 after his replacement, Wendy Becker, left the business amid faltering sales and profits.

BlueGem is in the process of organising a £20 million refinancing of Jack Wills, which includes putting £10 million of new equity itself while £10 million of debt is expected to be provided by Searchlight Capital.

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