Stuart Weitzman appoints global president

Luxury footwear label Stuart Weitzman has appointed Francois Kress to the newly-created position of global president. Joining from luxury label The Row, where he served as president and chief operating officer, Kress will oversee all aspects

of the global retail and wholesale business plus take on the role of strategic leader for new initiatives and brand extensions.

"We are building the next generation Stuart Weitzman brand and are elated and pleased to announce Francois Kress in the newly created role as global president," said Kulkin. "Francois brings such a vast tool chest of luxury wholesale and retail experience to our company. We are all excited for the next steps of our brand.”

Stuart Weitzman creates global president role

Kulkin added: “Francois will be a key catalyst in driving new initiatives as well as leading and collaborating with our talented management team already in place around the world. We are all looking forward to seeing the impact and benefits of Francois's leadership."

Kress has more than 20 years of experience in both luxury retail and wholesale markets, his prior roles have included being president and CEO of Prada and Miu Miu USA and the CEO and managing director of Bulgari America. He also held a string of senior roles with LVMH.

Commenting on his new role, Kress, said: "Over the years, I have been very impressed by the company's evolution. Stuart Weitzman and his whole team have built a strong and consistent global brand which is engraved in the American fashion landscape.

“It elegantly combines women's needs with the glamorous allure of fashion luxury. I'm extremely enthusiastic to join such an iconic brand and to be part of its future expansion.”

The addition of a global president is the latest development for the luxury footwear label this year, in September the brand promoted Kulkin to Chief Executive Officer, as part of its plans to expand the brand’s international reach. The footwear label also named Nereo Friso as a consultant director of worldwide distribution for the label’s new brand, SW1.

Stuart Weitzman is part of the Jones Group, which also operates brands such as Kurt Geiger and Nine West and holds licensing agreements with Brian Atwood and Rachel Roy. The brand operates 45 retail stores across the United States, including New York, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Boston and Las Vegas and the company also has 59 international stores and is sold in more than 80 countries.

Image: Stuart Weitzman campaign fronted by Kate Moss