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CEO Mickey Drexler is shaking things up at J.Crew: The longtime third arm of the retailer's all-star leadership trifecta, Libby Wadle, has been named president of the J. Crew brand. This is a new position in which she oversees both the retail and direct businesses of J. Crew, Crewcuts and J. Crew factory outlets, and apparently does not interfere with Jenna Lyon's position as president and executive creative director of J. Crew Group.
The big promotion has rekindled rumors of Drexler's retirement, but the eleven year J.Crew vet was resolute in shooting those down. He told WWD, "Anyone who is in a position such as mine has to think about [succession planning]. But this is not at all any succession plan. This is a recognition of the team that has built and continues to build the J. Crew Group."
This is the second time the issue of Drexler retiring has come up this week. Recall, Jenna joked about the likelihood of Wadles taking over business side when he retires to Fast Company , saying, "I'll give it to Libby. I'll sit in the corner and draw some stuff."
· J. Crew Promotes Libby Wadle, James Scully [WWD]
· Jenna Lyons on Juice Fasting, Being Bullied, & Her Rumored Line [Racked]