Esprit chairman leaves unexpectedly

HONGKONG — Esprit Holdings' chairman has unexpectedly resigned, just one day after the sudden departure of CEO Ronald van der Vis.



Chairman Hans-Joachim Korber said he is leaving for personal reasons, while van der Vis’s reasons were described as “personal and family.” CFO Chew Fook Aun left the company on June 1.



Analysts said that the departures had raised concerns that more problems may be afoot at the retailer. Korber’s – who is replaced by Raymond Or, a former chief executive at Hang Seng Bank -- resignation takes effect immediately, Esprit said, while Van der Vis' starts around July.