Aquascutum chief Pow in sudden exit

James Pow, the chief executive and managing director of the Aquascutum group, has resigned.

It is understood Pow was summoned to the group’s holding company in Japan last week after continuing concern about the management of UK budgets.

Aquascutum employees are believed to have known about his departure last Thursday.

Pow joined in 1992 from luxury goods company Mulberry, where he was international sales and marketing director. He was appointed with a brief to revive the company and oversaw a redesign of the shopfloor.

Last year, Aquascutum was tipped to appoint agency Young & Rubicam. At the time the chain was revamping its clothing ranges to make them more attractive to a younger market.