New Zealand-based childrenswear retailer Pumpkin Patch has announced the resignation of its design director, following numerous changes over the last few months.
Pumpkin Patch design director Chrissy Conyngham, who has served the company for almost two decades, has given Pumpkin Patch six months notice of her intention to leave the company to pursue “new business opportunities”.
Pumpkin Patch chief executive officer Neil Cowie said Conyngham has been vital to the development of the brand during her years of service.
“Chrissy has been with the company for nearly 20 years and throughout that time she has been a key factor in developing the business from its small beginnings to being the multi-national brand it is today,” he said.
“Chrissy will continue in her role for up to six months to support the design team while decisions are made regarding her replacement. We are fortunate to have a very strong design team whose key members have been with us for many years.
"There is a huge amount of experience and capability right across the team so we are confident that design process will not be disrupted during the transition period.”
Conyngham's departure follows a period of upheaval for the Pumpkin Patch brand.
The company's former chief executive officer, Maurice Prendergast, resigned in September last year amid plummeting profits. Pumpkin Patch has since announced a review and confirmed in January that it would be binning its UK retail operations due to underperforming stores.
Pumpkin Patch also recently appointed two new directors, with Rod Duke to join the company as a a non-executive director from this month, and Peter Schuyt as an independent non-executive director. Schuyt will join the board in August.