People”s Liberation has tapped industry veteran Andreas Kurz to head the international expansion of its People”s Liberation and William Rast brands.
The Los Angeles company said it had signed a three-year consulting deal with Kurz”s Akari Enterprises, giving Akari responsibility for negotiating exclusive distribution agreements in international markets.
“We believe this arrangement will increase awareness of the People”s Liberation and William Rast brands, and contribute to our future sales growth in the international marketplaces,” Daniel Guez, chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
Kurz has a proven track record of growing international businesses. He spent 13 years with Hugo Boss AG, as a director of international sales, and as president and ceo of Hugo Boss USA. Kurz was ceo of Diesel USA before moving on to Polo Ralph Lauren, where he was president of international licensing. More recently, Kurz was ceo of Seven For All Mankind, a position he held for less than a year. He founded Akari Enterprises a month after leaving Seven, in January 2006.
“With his background and years of international business experience, we believe he is the right person to lead us to our goal,” said Guez.
Kurz said the brands were already successful and he was looking forward to lending his expertise so that they could continue to grow.
“Daniel has a keen eye for product and his relationships with celebrities, including Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala [both of William Rast], are genuine,” Kurz said in a statement.