The Wacoal Company honours the legacy of long-serving Design Director Jo West and announces Clare Turner as Chief Product Officer and Charlie Austin as Director of Design.
After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the business and an outstanding career in the intimate apparel industry, Jo West retired from Wacoal Europe on 1 June 2026. Throughout her career, Jo played a pivotal role in shaping Wacoal Europe’s branded portfolio, combining creative vision with a deep understanding of women’s needs and championing product excellence, innovation and consumer-focused design. Her influence can be seen across many of the company’s most successful collections, including best-selling ranges such as Fusion and Illusion, while her leadership helped strengthen Wacoal’s reputation for fit, comfort, quality and design excellence. Her contribution to the brands, people and business has been immense.
Commenting on Jo’s retirement, Geoff Embley, CEO, said:
Jo’s contribution to Wacoal over the past three decades has been extraordinary. Through her creativity, leadership and unwavering focus on customers, she has helped shape some of our most successful brands and products, leaving a legacy that will continue to influence our business for years to come. On behalf of everyone at Wacoal, I would like to thank Jo for her outstanding contribution and wish her every happiness in her retirement.”
Following Jo’s retirement and as part of their continued focus on future growth and innovation, Wacoal Europe has introduced a new leadership structure with the creation of two senior positions: Chief Product Officer and Director of Design, Wacoal Brands.
Clare Turner
Clare Turner has been appointed Chief Product Officer. Having joined the business through the acquisition of Bravissimo, Clare will lead the product vision and strategy across both Bravissimo and the Wacoal-branded portfolio. Since joining Bravissimo in 2012, Clare has held a number of senior roles spanning product development, buying, merchandising, technical and business operations, and has been a member of the Bravissimo Senior Leadership Team since 2020. Her combination of product expertise, commercial acumen and customer insight positions her strongly to lead the Group’s future product strategy.
Charlie Austin has been appointed Director of Design, Wacoal Brands, reporting to the Chief Product Officer. Charlie brings 18 years of experience with Wacoal, including leading the Fantasie Lingerie and Swimwear brand since 2015. Having worked closely alongside Jo for many years, Charlie brings deep knowledge of our brands, customers and design philosophy, ensuring continuity while building on the strong foundations Jo established. Both appointments were immediately effective as of 1 June 2026.
