Richard Cohen brought a lot of change to St. John Knits International Inc. in the past year and a half. But perhaps the biggest change came Monday with word he’s abruptly leaving the Irvine-based women’s clothier.
Cohen left the company for “family reasons,” according to a statement. His exit is effective immediately, according to the company.
“I am truly sorry to be leaving St. John. I have enjoyed my time here and wish all of the great hardworking employees that are the real backbone of this company the best,” Cohen said in a statement. “As well, I would also like to thank the board for their understanding of my decision.”
Philip B. Miller, a former chief executive of Saks Inc.’s Saks Fifth Avenue, is taking over Cohen’s post on an interim basis.
Miller has been a St. John director since 2003. He headed Saks Fifth Avenue from 1993 to 2000.
Cohen, who used to head the U.S. arm of Italy’s Gruppo Ermenegildo Zegna, brought dramatic change to St. John since arriving in late 2004.
During Cohen’s time, key members of the founding Gray family stepped back from the company. Longtime operations man Bruce Fetter left soon after Cohen’s arrival.
Cohen himself brought in a group of handpicked fashion executives. He sought to steer St. John, known for outfitting politicians and socialites, in a younger direction by hiring Angelina Jolie and Gisele B & #252;ndchen as models.
He was said to be in talks with designer Vera Wang about bringing her to work for St. John.
New York-based Vestar Capital Partners owns a majority stake of St. John.
