"it won't be long until he sets his sights on his next project."
PrettyLittleThing founder Umar Kamani is stepping down as CEO after more than 10 years.
The businessman, who set up the fashion company in 2012 alongside brother Adam, has overseen PLT’s growth from a simple website selling accessories to a £3.8 billion global brand.
Often pictured with A-listers such as Naomi Campbell and Liam Payne, Umar is a celebrity in his own right.
But now, Umar has decided to step down from his position.
A source close to PLT said: “Umar has been the front and centre of PrettyLittleThing since its conception but now he’s ready for a new challenge.
“He’s leaving a very happy man after achieving extraordinary success and travelling the world, setting up PLT showrooms internationally.
“Umar is keeping his cards close to his chest and is yet to reveal the details of his new business venture, but it won’t be long until he sets his sights on his next project.”
Umar Kamani confirmed his departure and said:
“After 12 years as CEO and founder of PrettyLittleThing I have made the difficult decision to step down from my position as CEO.
“Twelve amazing years that changed my life and I will be forever grateful for all those memories.
“I’m at the stage in my life where I need to set myself new challenges and goals and build new brands that hopefully you all love and support as much as you did with this one.
“When I first had the idea of setting up this brand, I could never have imagined what we would go on to achieve.
“Since our humble beginnings in 2012, PLT has gone on to eventually become one of the biggest fashion brands in the world.
“If you know me, you’ll know Disneyland and all the magic surrounding it has always been one of my biggest inspirations.
“This is what I wanted to create with PrettyLittleThing, a fairytale-like world where unicorns exist, and anything is possible.
“A place where you come to find confidence and inspiration when it comes to what you wear and how you feel.”
“Whatever success we have achieved is down to you, our loyal customers who have shopped with us, supported us and watched us grow into something beyond what I could have ever dreamed of.”
Umar Kamani is a member of the founding family of the Boohoo group, which now owns the likes of Nasty Gal, Coast, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams.
Mahmud Kamani co-founded Boohoo in 2006 alongside Carol Kane and the website quickly became a success.
His three sons Umar, Adam and Samir naturally became involved.
Adam remained a director at PLT until 2017 when he left the business to pursue a property startup, with Umar taking over the reins of the clothing company.
In 2020, Umar Kamani sold his 34% remaining stake in PLT for £330 million as part of a deal that earned him £161 million and shares of 2.6% in Boohoo.
During his time as director and CEO, Umar has not only made PLT appeal to the masses but also his celebrity pals, whose popularity has elevated the brand to desirable effect.
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