Richard Percival, managing director of John David Group's fashion division, has resigned with immediate effect.
His departure comes only five months after he joined the retailer, which has just unveiled a new fascia in partnership with Nike.
JD Group executive chairman Roger Best said the decision was amicable.
'I regret to see him leave. He is going to set up his own business, which has nothing to do with apparel or footwear,' he said.
Best will run the fashion division while a replacement is sought. An appointment is unlikely before the New Year. 'At the moment we are all focused on Christmas,' said Best.
Percival, who was not on the Plc board, joined from Reebok in June to set up JD's fashion arm, which forms part of the retailer's restructuring following several profit warnings.
In its deal with sports brand Nike, JD has used the youthful obsession with texting to create a new store type, the first of which has opened in Brixton, south London. Displaying only the numbers 6453 followed by the iconic swoosh, the fascia builds on Nike's brand awareness and aims to create intrigue.
'Everyone knows the swoosh sign, so we're adding a bit of difference with 6453,' said Best. The numbers represent the word Nike as tapped into a mobile phone.
Best said a roll-out is on the cards, but would not disclose details.
The Brixton store, formerly a JD Sports is the fourth Nike store that the retailer has opened. It sells Nike-branded fashion and footwear.
- Profile: page 12.
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