LONDON — Kering has recruited a new chief executive officer for Christopher Kane from its financial communications department.
Alexandre de Brettes, the first major hire since Kering acquired the London-based brand in January, will take up the new post on Sept. 1.
An announcement is expected later today.
Previously director of financial communications and market intelligence at Kering, de Brettes joined Kering in 2002 as deputy director of financial communications.
Christopher Kane, creative director, and his longtime collaborator Tammy Kane, who has been named deputy creative director of the brand, said, “His experience at Kering is invaluable to us, and his understanding and appreciation of our creative culture was what drew us to him. Alexandre’s appointment puts the running of our business in very good hands and gives us a strong ally in the building of our company. Together, we will focus on organic global growth and protecting and nurturing the creative DNA of our business.”
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Alexis Babeau, managing director of Kering Luxury Division, said, “Alexandre’s skills and the experience he acquired within the group will enable him to help the Christopher Kane house accelerate its expansion.”
Earlier this year, after acquiring the brand, Kering said it planned to seize on the Scottish designer’s high profile and creative prowess to accelerate expansion and develop the business as a global luxury brand.
Plans include opening Kane’s first freestanding boutique — likely in London in 2014 — and adding a second ready-to-wear range. Kane currently has some 26 employees, and ships his collections to about 200 doors worldwide.