Matchesfashion boss and former Amazon executive Ajay Kavan has exited the business with immediate effect after a year in the role.

Kavan’s role at Matchesfashion will be taken over by non-executive director Maureen Chiquet, who will act as executive chair on an interim basis until a permanent successor is appointed.

Kavan joined the fashion retailer last March from Amazon, where he worked for nine years across a range of roles to reach vice-president of international special projects.

Matchesfashion chair Tom Hall said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Ajay for his significant contributions to Matchesfashion over a challenging year, book-ended by the start of Covid lockdown and Brexit.

“Ajay has reinforced the foundations of the business, significantly strengthened the team and embedded a customer-driven culture. I wish Ajay every success for his future endeavours.” 

Kavan said: “I am proud of the team we have built at Matchesfashion. I believe in the potential of the business and the team is focused behind a clear set of goals that will further accelerate growth in the years ahead. I look forward to seeing the business go from strength to strength.” 

Chiquet was chief executive at Chanel until 2016 and has previously held roles at L’Oreal and Gap.