Lela Rose appoints CEO

New York-based fashion label Lela Rose has appointed former French Connection USA boss, Ellen Rodriguez as its new

Chief Executive Officer.

Rodriguez joins from French Connection, where she served as president and CEO, and has been brought on to replace Lela Rose’s former president, Karen Scheck, who departed in March, as well as expand the brand into new categories within the luxury apparel and lifestyle markets.

"I'm looking forward to partnering with Lela and leading her talented team, building upon the current business, while also partnering with our retailers and international partners to further grow that part,” said Rodriguez in a press release. “I enjoy building businesses and really looking at every piece of the puzzle; from building great teams and establishing great partnerships, to marketing and developing new channels of distribution."

The first categories that Lela Rose plans to branch out into include shoes, bags, jewellery, and home collections, with the first of said offshoots being a signature tabletop line.