LK Bennett names new chief executive

Luxury fashion retailer LK Bennett has announced the

appointment of Didier Drouet, former chief executive of Emilio Pucci, as its new CEO as it refocuses on global expansion.

Drouet, who will take over with immediate effect, replaces Robert Bensoussan, who has been overseeing the role on an interim basis since the departure of Margaret McDonald in October 2010. Bensoussan will continue to operate as executive chairman.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the retail industry, Drouet has a strong understanding of the European market, as he has held a number of senior positions within high end luxury fashion and footwear brands. He was most recently chief executive at Pucci, owned by luxury goods group LVMH, and he also worked at high-end French footwear label Stéphané Kélian, and prior to that, he was director of European retail at Italian luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo.

Commenting on Drouet’s appointment, Bensoussan said: “Didier Drouet has a wealth of international experience in the fields of fashion, accessories and luxury, which will strengthen the growth of L.K.Bennett and capitalise on the many opportunities we have to develop the business both in the UK and internationally.”

Drouet added: “I am excited to join the LK Bennett team and look forward to building on the foundations in place to further develop the brand globally.”