Eileen Fisher to Step Down as CEO

Eileen Fisher, 71-year-old designer and CEO of her eponymous company, will step down as the brand’s CEO to focus her attention on design, reports WWD. The company has hired executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates to have a new CEO in place by the start of 2022.

“I have tried before to let go and it’s just that I’m ready now. It’s the right time. It’s clear to me,” said Fisher. “It’s been an intense year with COVID and all, and it’s been an opportunity to rethink and reorganize the business, and sort of simplify and bring it back to what I originally intended.”

Fisher owns 60 percent of the firm, with the balance employee owned. She eventually intends to move away from the design role but will stay engaged as chair of the board.