Sass & Bide CEO makes shock exit

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
May 31, 2016

Australian womenswear label Sass & Bide has said goodbye to newly appointed CEO Julie Otter. 

According to local newspaper Herald Sun, Otter departed the luxury brand last month. It marked Otter's 18-month anniversary with the company and comes just one month after the launch of Therese Rawsthorne’s debut collection for the fashion brand as new design head.

COO and acting CEO Julie Malandin said Otter quit to pursue “other opportunities” and the company was currently on the hunt for her replacement.

Founded by Sarah Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton in 1999, Sass & Bide has experienced a rocky few years since the design duo sold the brand to department store Myer in 2013.

They then cut cut ties completely in 2014, relinquishing their role as creative directors.

Otter, a former head of M.A.C and Peter Alexander, revealed earlier this year Sass & Bide was focusing on international growth and was planning to relaunch its e-commerce site next month.