PrettyLittleThing founder Umar Kamani is stepping down as CEO after ten years

PrettyLittleThing founder Umar Kamani is stepping down as CEO after ten years, MailOnline can exclusively reveal.

The businessman, 35, who setup the fashion company in 2012 alongside brother Adam, has overseen PLT’s explosive growth from a simple market stall in Manchester to a global brand now worth an estimated £3.8billion.

Since its creation PrettyLittleThing has become known for their celebrity collaborators including Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, Little Mix, Gemma Owen, and Molly-Mae Hague, who’s also the online giant’s creative director.

Often photographed rubbing shoulders with A-listers such as Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton, and Liam Payne, Umar is now a celebrity in his own right, and over the years has handpicked the talent he’s aspired to see wear his brand of fashionable clothing.

But following a decade in the hot seat, Umar has decided to step down from his position as CEO after previously selling his remaining 34 per cent stake in PrettyLittleThing to Boohoo, which is run by his father.

The businessman, who setup the fashion company in 2012 alongside brother Adam, has overseen PLT’s explosive growth from a simple market stall in Manchester to a global brand (pictured in 2016)

Since its creation PrettyLittleThing has become known for their celebrity collaborators including Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, Little Mix, Gemma Owen, and Molly-Mae Hague

On Wednesday, Umar celebrated the launch of PLT’s first London showroom and posed alongside former 1D singer Liam Payne, who’s one of the brand’s supporters

A source close to the brand told MailOnline: ‘Umar has been the front and centre of PrettyLittleThing since its conception but now he’s ready for a new challenge.

‘He’s leaving a very happy man after achieving extraordinary success and travelling the world, setting up PLT showrooms internationally.

‘Umar is keeping his cards close to his chest and is yet to reveal the details of his new business venture, but it won’t be long until he sets his sights on his next adventure.’

Manchester-born Umar, who’s engaged to model Nada Adelle, is a member of the founding family of the Boohoo group, which now owns a portfolio of brands including Nasty Gal, Coast, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins, and Debenhams.

Umar’s father Mahmud Kamani co-founded Boohoo in 2006 alongside Carol Kane and the website quickly became a success because unlike its competitor ASOS, the brand only sells its own clothing, increasing profit margins.

Mahmud’s three sons Umar, Adam, and Samir naturally became involved in his fashion empire, which dates back to their grandfather, whose wholesale textile business that sourced garments from India became a major supplying for high street stores such as New Look and Primark.

Adam remained a director at PLT until 2017 until he left the business to pursue a property startup, with Umar taking over the reins of the clothing company.

In 2020, Umar sold his 34 per cent remaining stake in PrettyLittleThing for £330million as part of a lucrative deal that earned him £161million in cash and shares of 2.6 per cent in Boohoo. 

(pictured in 2022)

Umar, pictured with fiancée Nada at the PLT showroom in Paris, has launched a number of VIP suites for their exclusive customers around the world

Umar’s father Mahmud Kamani (pictured) co-founded Boohoo in 2006 alongside Carol Kane and the website quickly became a success 

During his decade as director and CEO, Umar has not only made PLT appeal to the masses but also his celebrity pals, whose popularity has elevated the brand to desirable effect.

Love Island viewers now associate the most successful Islanders with securing brand partnership deals with PLT following Molly-Mae’s ongoing relationship with the business.

Last year, Umar personally selected Gemma Owen and Indiyah Polack as ambassadors, with PLT setting up their first marketplace, where users can buy and sell preloved outfits.

In recent weeks, PrettyLittleThing has also signed up Katie Price and Peter Andre’s teenage daughter Princess and unveiled their first London showroom after also having exclusive spaces for their VIP customers in Paris and Los Angeles.

Last year, Umar personally selected Gemma Owen and Indiyah Polack as ambassadors, with PLT setting up their first marketplace, where users can buy and sell preloved outfits 

In recent weeks, PrettyLittleThing has also signed up Katie Price and Peter Andre’s teenage daughter Princess