Kate Bostock steps down from Asos

Kate Bostock, the former executive director for general merchandise at Marks and Spencer, has resigned from online fashion retailer Asos after just seven months. Confirmed in a stock market statement, Asos stated that Bostock’s resignation

from her position as executive director product and trading, as well as stepping down from the Board was with “immediate effect”.

Bostock, who joined Asos in January 2013, said in the short statement that the online e-tailer just wasn’t the “right place” for her.

Nick Robertson, CEO of Asos said: "Kate and I have agreed that Asos is not the right platform for her talent. Of course we are disappointed that things haven't worked out and Kate leaves with our very best wishes. In the meantime, we have a very strong team in place and the business continues to fire on all cylinders."

Kate Bostock resigns from Asos

Commenting on her departure, Bostock added: “Asos is a formidable business and I have great respect for the team I have been working with: they are right at the cutting edge of young online fashion. Sadly, I've concluded that Asos isn't the right place for me. I will not regret the experience and I wish Nick and all at Asos continued success."

With regards to her replacement, Asos have said that her role will be fulfilled by the existing, “highly successful” retailing team, and added that its board was considering whether there is a need to look for a successor.

The online retailer confirmed Bostock’s appointment back in October 2012, after a year of courting, which at the time was seen as a coup, as the former Marks and Spencer’s head of clothing had been with the high street chain for eight years.

Bostock’s decision to resign from Asos marks the second high-profile board director departure this year for the company, in April international director Jon Kamaluddin stepped down after nine years with the company.

Image: Kate Bostock