Ex-DFS executive takes over at Donna Karan

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LVMH yesterday announced that it has strengthened the management team of its American brand Donna Karan

Fred Wilson, previously president and ceo of the LVMH Fashion Group Americas and former DFS executive has been appointed ceo of Donna Karan International. He will be responsible for accelerating the company's development, particularly with the launch of an accessories line.

Before working within the LVMH Fashion Group Wilson served as ceo of LVMH Specialty Store Retailing and had held various positions in DFS Group, including president and chief merchandising officer. Having successfully reorganised and repositioned Donna Karan, LVMH said Pino Brusone is leaving to set up an operational management team.

The management shake-up is the latest signal that spending a hefty $643m to buy Donna Karan has turned out to be a heavy price for LVMH to carry. Donna Karan also has larger significance for LVMH because it is seen as one of the biggest tests of the company's ability to acquire and assimiliate a large fashion house into its retail network. One relatively undeveloped area for LVMH is its fashionwear business.