J. Crew retail president Gardner resigns; Lyons named president, rest of duties to be split

J. Crew retail president exits; duties to be split

NEW YORK — Apparel retailer J. Crew Group Inc. on Tuesday said its president of retail and direct channels has resigned.

Tracy Gardner will leave the company Sept. 13.

Jenna Lyons, 42, who is current executive creative director, will add the title of president, J.Crew said.

Other management will split some of Gardner’s responsibilities.

Libby Wadle will become executive vice president of retail and factory and report directly to CEO Millard Drexler.

Trish Donnelly, executive vice president of the direct channel and Laura Willensky, senior vice president of Madewell stores, will now both report to Drexler.

Merchandise production responsibilities will now fall to Chief Administrative Officer/Chief Financial Officer James Scully.

J. Crew sells women’s, men’s and children’s clothing in 245 stores, 81 factory outlets through catalog and online sales.

Shares of J. Crew Group closed Tuesday up 81 cents, or 2.3 percent, at $36.38.