USC chief executive Jim McGonigle has exited after nearly a decade at the chain, Retail Week has learned.

McGonigle left the fashion retailer late last month and is not being replaced. His duties will be shared across the existing USC board.

McGonigle is said to be exploring new retail ventures.

Sportswear giant Sports Direct acquired an 80% stake in USC, and sister company Cruise, in July and set up a premium lifestyle division. The retailer is carrying out a strategic review of its new acquisitions and will unveil its plans for the new division in December.