End Of An Era: Natalie Massenet Quits Net-A-Porter
Massenet has been at the company since she launched it in 2000. [Photo: Rex]
One of fashion’s most influential figures is saying goodbye to the industry – for now at least.
Natalie Massenet, the founder of Net-a-Porter and the woman who made a name for herself by showing designer brands that they had a home online, has announced her departure from the company she started.
The former fashion journalist has walked away from the company just months after a merger with Italian firm Yoox took place.
It’s not known what Massenet’s next career move will be. [Photo: Rex]
Massenet, 50, hasn’t left empty handed though – she’s resigned after selling her shares that are valued at £100 million, according to Bloomberg who broke the news.
“Following Natalie Massenet’s tendering of her resignation today as executive chairman of the Net-a-Porter Group, Ms. Massenet will not be a member of the board of directors of the new group which will result from the upcoming merger,” said a statement.
Massenet’s high-flying career has allowed her to rub shoulders with some of the world’s most famous faces. [Photo: Rex]
Net-a-Porter’s been one of the top high-end online shopping destinations since its launch in 2000. After a career in fashion journalism – working at WWD and Tatler – Massenet left the editorial world in 1998 to go freelance, before starting Net-a-Porter from her Chelsea flat.
It’s been a global success since, housing top labels including Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci and even launched a discount sister site, The Outnet.
Massenet hasn’t yet provided a comment, but the email she sent to her team to announce her depature has been shared by Business Insider. Grab some tissues, it gets emosh.
“I feel my contribution to The Net-a-porter Group has been made,” part of the email said. “This is a sincere handing of the baton to our talented executive team and to each of you. You make me proud and I thank each of you for helping me create this business. Together we rewrote the future of fashion! “
We can’t wait to see what the style icon’s next business move is. Whatever it is, it’s bound to be brilliant.
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