Roxy SVP of Design and Merchandising departs

Laurie Etheridge, Roxy Senior Vice President of Design and Merchandising, has left Quiksilver after her job was eliminated.

Laurie told me she was grateful for her experiences at Quiksilver, and admires the company's iconic brands, passionate people and inspired products.

After taking some time off, she plans to pursue other opportunities. Laurie's previous experience included many years at Levi Strauss, among other companies.

Laurie's departure comes as Quiksilver continues to reduce expenses. The company has said it plans to cut $40 million to $60 million on an annualized basis, with half coming from SG&A cuts.

A Quiksilver spokesman declined to comment on individual personnel changes.

Summer Rapp, previously in charge of design for Quiksilver Women, recently took on the additional role of head of design for Roxy.

Roxy, Volcom and many other juniors brands in the industry are facing a tough market as competition from fast-fashion, vertical retailers continue to take market share. Many industry brands are looking at ways to shorten production cycles to get new fashion to stores sooner.

Here are some previous stories about changes and challenges at Quiksilver and in the juniors market:

Changes at Roxy

Quik eliminates 200 jobs

Roxy president departs

How Roxy will compete with fast fashion

Volcom CEO Woolcoot addresses juniors market in conference call