Ex-Topshop boss makes high street return

Former TopShop boss Jane Shepherdson today made her high street comeback after taking a stake in Whistles and becoming its chief executive.

The ex-brand director of TopShop, who left in 2006 after being widely credited with helping revive the chain, is believed to have taken a 20% stake in the upmarket women’s retailer.

Fellow former TopShop colleagues Keith Wilks and Jo Farrelly have joined her in the deal, which will see Whistles spun-off from its parent Mosaic Fashions, owned by Icelandic investment group Baugur.

Baugur is to remain lead shareholder of the chain, with a stake believed to be 49%. It is thought the deal values Whistles at around £15m (€20m) to £20m (€27m).

The retail group has 40 stores across the UK, with another 40 concessions in department stores.