Neil Fiske, who joined outdoor apparel merchant Eddie Bauer as CEO in 2007, will leave the post on March 2. No reason was given for his departure.
David Chamberlain, the company’s executive chairman, will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is named. Fiske will stay on as a consultant during the transition process, according to a company statement.
Company officials have begun a search for Fiske’s replacement.
“We have great respect for Neil and appreciate everything he’s accomplished at Eddie Bauer,” Chamberlain said in the statement. “Neil set the vision and strategy for the company’s return to its roots, and the board is committed to continuing this direction.”
Chamberlain noted that the company will look for a CEO “who can take the brand through its next phase of growth.”
Fiske joined Eddie Bauer as CEO in July 2007 after leading a turnaround of Bath & Body Works.
Eddie Bauer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June 2009. Golden Gate Capital, a San Francisco=based private-equity firm, won a bankruptcy-court auction with a $286 million cash bid for Eddie Bauer, and the clothing-store chain began anew in August 2009 as a privately held company.