Rose Foster poised to take charge of La Senza

Foster is believed to have been headhunted to run the underwear chain by private equity firm Lion Capital, which bought the business in July from entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den presenter Theo Paphitis, for an estimated £100 million. La Senza declined to comment.

Foster announced her resignation from Monsoon yesterday, after selling her £380,000 company shares the day before. She has worked for the fashion retailer for the past five years and, in light of her departure, the company will be reviewing its board and management structure.

Foster’s departure is a blow for Peter Simon, the founder chairman and majority shareholder. Simon is understood to have a volatile relationship with minority shareholders in the retailer.

Foster would not comment on her new job, but insisted she had not fallen out with Simon. She said: ‘We have had a fantastic relationship. But it is time to take on a new opportunity. It is about mutual respect. I have got respect for Peter; he has got respect for me.

Sales at Monsoon rose 23 per cent in the 17 weeks to September 23, but like-for-likes fell 6 per cent. The figures were consistent with forecasts given at the time of the preliminary results in July, and up against weak comparatives last year.

Monsoon said the outlook in the run-up to Christmas was ‘uncertain’, but that action had already been taken to reduce costs.