Tamara Mellon Quits Jimmy Choo

Tamara Mellon has quit Jimmy Choo. The entrepreneur - who founded the footwear and accessories brand in 1996 along with former cobbler Jimmy Choo - has stepped down as Chief Creative Officer of the company following its takeover and integration with private Italian luxury goods group Labelux.

The 44-year-old - who ceased to have any financial interest in the group after its $800 million acquisition in May - is set to be followed out of the company by current Chief Executive Joshua Schulman, who will complete a transition phase into 2012.

"Jimmy Choo is an outstanding brand with enormous growth potential and the ability to deliver material growth synergies across our group. With a successful transition behind them, we respect their wish to move on to other challenges," said Labelux's chief executive Reinhard Mieck.

Since Tamara and Jimmy set up the business, it has grown from being a small company to a global brand, which sells handbags, scarves and fragrances, among other luxury items. Earlier this year, Tamara - who was awarded an OBE in 2010 for her services to Britain's fashion industry - explained she is "extremely proud" of the company's heritage and put the success of the group down to its constant flow of "innovation and energy":

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Tamara Mellon to Sell Jimmy Choo

Tamara Mellon is to sell her Jimmy Choo label.

The shoe tycoon - who was recently named as the founder and chief creative officer of the luxurious footwear firm - is reportedly close to appointing financial advisors in a bid to sell the company, which is worth up to $800 million. The 43-year-old entrepreneur owns a fifth of the brand, whose celebrity fans include Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker and Beyonce Knowles.

Tamara began at the exclusive company in 1996 and was previously known as founder and president. Her new position of founder and chief creative officer saw her continue to oversee the label’s brand image, which included product design, public relations and advertising campaigns.

“Today’s announcement acknowledges the important contribution that Tamara makes to our brand image and design process. This new title is a better reflection of Tamara’s responsibilities and accomplishments at Jimmy Choo. Together with our creative team, she has been at the forefront of developing product and marketing, which has fuelled growth of the company,” Jimmy Choo chief executive officer Joshua Schulman said of the new appointment.