// Hobbs MD Justin Hampshire to take responsibility at Whistles as Helen Williamson departs
// Williamson was the MD of Whistles for the last two years
Hobbs managing director Justin Hampshire will reportedly now take dual responsibility of both Hobbs and Whistles as Helen Williamson steps down.
Williamson has been with Whistles for the last six years and will now take early retirement.
She joined Whistles as commercial director in 2015, before becoming brand director a year later.
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She has led the premium fashion retailer as managing director since December 2018.
Hampshire is set to return to Whistles after two years, and will take the helm at both businesses, Retail Week reported.
He had first joined Whistles as managing director in September 2016 and stayed in his role until December 2018, before joining Hobbs in January 2019.
Hampshire has also held roles as chief financial officer at Whistles, chief operating officer at Crew Clothing and chief financial officer at Marchpole.
Separately, premium fashion retail rival Jigsaw launched its CVA proposals on Friday and has earmarked 19 of its stores that could face closure.
Some of the earmarked store locations facing closure include Westfield London, Bluewater in Kent, Manchester and Birmingham.
Around 41 Jigsaw stores will switch to turnover-based rent, while the remaining 16 shops will remain on full rent.
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