Get All Access for $5/mo

Victoria's Secret and Pink Brands CEO Suddenly Resigns After Less Than One Year Amy Hauk's last day with the company will be March 31.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Getty Images

Women's lingerie behemoth Victoria's Secret has weathered some tough years, and the company's latest shakeup indicates that trouble may still be ahead.

Amy Hauk, who serves as CEO of Victoria's Secret and Pink brands, has resigned and will be leaving the company on March 31, per an SEC filing from January 3. Her official date of resignation was December 27, 2022.

Hauk's resignation comes less than a year after she was appointed CEO of Victoria's Secret last July, after formerly being the CEO of just the Pink brand since 2018.

The news comes on the heels of Victoria's Secret successful acquisition of Adore Me, Inc., an internet-based intimates startup founded in 2011. The reported $400 million acquisition is positioned to help Victoria's Secret grow in the digital space.

"From the beginning, we evaluated Adore Me as a two-for-one opportunity – a technology-led, digital-first innovator in the intimates category and a highly efficient, growing, and profitable standalone business model," said Victoria's Secret & Co. CEO Martin Waters in a company release. "I am thrilled with the swift completion of the acquisition and excited to welcome the entire Adore Me team into the VS&Co family."

Waters will take over Hauk's position in brand leadership upon her departure.

Hauk made a strong stance last summer when she publicly responded to a viral song by popular TikTok singer/songwriter Jax called "Victoria's Secret," which called out the lingerie company for encouraging unrealistic body standards for women, even making references to contentious former CEO Les Wexner.

On the official Victoria's Secret Instagram account, Hauk penned a letter written to the "VS Community" thanking the singer and doubling down that the company makes "no excuses for the past" and that she and her team were committed to inclusivity moving forward.

"As CEO of Victoria's Secret and Pink, I can wholeheartedly say that we are all committed to building a community where everyone feels seen and respected," Hauk penned. "And if we mess up or can do better, we want to know."

The incident came one month after the release of Hulu's docuseries Victoria's Secret: Angels and Demons which depicted Wexner's downfall, including his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Haux has not yet released a statement about her impending departure from the company.

Victoria's Secret & Co. was down over 41% in a one-year period as of Wednesday afternoon.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.