Cath Kidston poaches Claire's Stores boss to be chief executive

Wilson, who is at present Claire’s Stores’ president of Europe, will play a key role in steering the retailer’s expansion, especially internationally which is a central plank of its growth strategy. His exact start date is yet to be arranged.

The appointment means that the senior management of Cath Kidston, acquired last year by private equity firm TA Associates in a Deal valuing it at £100m, is now made up of former Levi’s chiefs.

Wilson was senior vice-president of commercial operations at Levi Strauss Europe from 2005 to 2009. Cath Kidston chairman Paul Mason and managing director Mark Saunders also worked for the denim giant in the past.

Mason said: “Kenny is an ideal candidate for the role and will head our expanded leadership team. He brings a wealth of experience, and has outstanding credentials having worked for leading global brands.

“His skill set and detailed knowledge of the sector will be invaluable as the business moves into the next phase of its ambitious growth strategy.”

Founded by the eponymous entrepreneur in 1993, Cath Kidston now has 41 shops and concessions in the UK, two  in the Republic of Ireland, 15 in Japan and four in Korea.