Julia Bowe, the group press and marketing director at Harvey Nichols, is to leave the department store group after 16 years.

Bowe, who was involved in the launch of the Harvey Nichols website, will remain in the role for the next few months.

In a statement, Bowe said she had left the retailer to take a career break.

“After 16 very happy years, I have made the very difficult decision to leave one of the best jobs and teams in the industry to take a career break. This will allow me to join my partner in Bermuda since his relocation there last year and take some much needed ‘me’ time. I have enjoyed enormously working with Stacey since her arrival and I’m excited to watch the brand move forward under her leadership.”

Harvey Nichols chief executive Stacey Cartwright said: “Julia has played a tremendous role in the development of Harvey Nichols, most notably in consistently driving the brand to punch above its weight and producing innovative and highly successful campaigns. I would like to thank her for her dedication and hard work and wish her well for the future.”