Karen Millen's creative chief leaves retailer to join Next

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 27, 2016

Karen Millen’s Gemma Metheringham is stepping down from her role as Chief Creative Officer to join high street brand Next as Creative Director.

Metheringham, who served at Karen Millen for 17 years, will leave the business in July. She will be succeeded by Ainsley Walker, current Head of Design Trend at Karen Millen, who will become Interim Design Director.

Commenting, Neil McCausland, Chairman of Karen Millen, said: “I would like to thank Gemma for her incredible service to Karen Millen.  Her passion for quality, design and craftsmanship has helped to define our brand and build Karen Millen into an international success, with collections worn by women all over the world.  Her work to evolve the brand, collections and store environment over the last few years has been a particular achievement.  She has built up a formidably talented creative team and I’m excited to see their work as they build on this success and continue Karen Millen’s journey.”

Gemma Metheringham worked as Head of Design of the womenswear division at Next for three years before joining Karen Millen in 1999.

She commented: “After 17 incredible years it's the right time for me to take on a new challenge. During my time at Karen Millen I have been lucky to work with some very talented people both inside and outside the brand and I would like to thank all those involved in making my time here such an amazing experience.  Knowing the talent and the energy within the business, I have no doubt that Karen Millen will continue to grow and prosper.”