New Look’s group digital director Jack Smith has quit the fashion retailer to set up his own consultancy business, Retail Week can reveal. 

Smith, who left the business last week after two-and-a-half years in the role, was responsible for digital channels across all markets.

He led the launch of New Look’s new ecommerce businesses in France and Germany and launched its site on Chinese etail market place Tmall.

A replacement for Smith has yet to be found, Retail Week understands.  

New Look, which was acquired by South African investment vehicle Brait last year, had a rare off quarter at its last results.

Group profits plunged 29%, while UK like-for-likes fell 7% in the run-up to the EU referendum “with unfavourable market conditions impacting high street footfall”.

Smith, who came 44th in last year’s Retail Week Etail Power List, joined New Look from Deloitte. In his early career he spent five years at M&S as a senior business analyst.

A New Look spokesman confirmed Smith’s departure, but declined to comment further.