Iconic Somerset-based fashion business Mulberry has appointed the boss of an international upmarket drinks brand as a non-executive director.
Leslie Serrero will join the board of the group, best known for its high-end designer bags, following its AGM on 7 September and will also sit on its audit committee.
Ms Serroro has extensive experience of luxury brand leadership. She has been international managing director of US spirits producer Casa Kosmos Brands Group since last October, having previously held senior executive roles at Fendi France, Christian Dior Couture and Lacoste.
Prior to this, she was a project leader at Boston Consulting Group for six years, advising companies in the retail, consumer and fashion sectors on transformation and growth strategies.
Ms Serrero, a French national based in Paris, has an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Mulberry chairman Chris Roberts said: “Following an extensive independent search, we are extremely pleased that Leslie has agreed to join the board.
“With a strategic and analytical mindset, she brings a wealth of knowledge on digital transformation, omni-channel and customer engagement in the luxury sector.”
Ms Serrero added: “Mulberry has a unique brand identity, a compelling strategy and market-leading sustainability credentials. I look forward to working with the team and bringing to bear my experience of facilitating growth strategies, and deep knowledge of the luxury goods industry."
Mulberry has manufacturing sites at Chilcompton, south of Bath, and in Bridgwater, which between them produce more than half of its output.
The firm was founded in 1971 by designer Roger Saul, who made leather belts and chokers on the family kitchen table.
Listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange, Mulberry employs around 1,400 people across the global and has offices in London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul.
