Fast fashion retailer Rue21 has again reshuffled its leadership team in a move that sees the company’s chairman, Michael Appel, named CEO as Van Brunt departs after just five months.

Appel served as interim-CEO from October 2017 to June 2018 following the resignation of Melanie Cox. He now succeeds former Chico’s FAS executive Laurie Van Brunt who was named president and CEO in June.

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In a statement, Rue21 said Van Brunt’s departure was a “mutual decision” and that she resigned from her post.

“The board of directors of Rue21 has asked Michael Appel to re-assume the senior leadership of the company as chief executive officer on a permanent basis,” the company said. “Our decision is based on the progress made under Michael’s leadership as interim-CEO, his successful recruitment of senior leadership, and retaining key management.”

The retailer filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May last year, receiving court approval for its reorganisation plan four months later in September, when Appel was named interim-CEO.

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