Italy fashion house Prada names new chief operating officer

Italy fashion house Prada names new chief operating officer

Italian fashion house Prada SpA Monday named Brian Blake, a 51-year-old American who previously worked for Burberry and Gucci, as chief operating officer.

Blake, formerly Burberry's chief operating officer, will also join the company's board and will be in charge of the retail and wholesale businesses of the Prada, Miu Miu and Car Shoe brands, Prada said in a statement.

Blake previously was with Gucci for 17 years, where he rose to executive vice president. Before that, he worked for 10 years at U.S. specialty retailer Lord & Taylor.

Prada, which reported first half earnings up 23 percent in 2007, is considering an initial public offering.