Coast chief executive Kate Bostock steps down

Kate Bostock, the chief executive of women's occasion wear retailer Coast has stepped down from her role, but is set to remain part of the company as a consultant. Managing director Andrew Skinner is set to take her responsibilities and will oversee the the running of the company on a daily basis.

Bostock, who first joined the company two years ago, left her role to focus on expanding Angel and Rocket, the children's wear label she launched last year. In her new role at Coast, Bostock will oversee Coast's relationships with retailers such as Next and Shop Direct, product and brand direction as well as the mentoring of Skinner.

She noted that her departure from the role had always been a part of the two-year turnaround plan set into motion when she first joined and that she has achieved her objectives of improving product and trading. "Coast is at the heart of my consultancy pans, big time," said Bostock to Retail Week on her departure. "I also want to do something that’s my own business. I started Angel and Rocket and it’s doing brilliantly."

Angel and Rocket is currently sold online and in selected stores in the Middle East via its partner Al Shaya. Bostock is currently in discussion to offer the brand in local UK department stores. She first joined the team at Coast in August 2013, after holding roles at Marks & Spencer,Next and Asos. Skinner first joined Coast in May 2014 as merchandising director and was named managing director this April.