Another Ex-Gucci Exec Gets Back In The Game

Prada has appointed Brian Blake to the role of C.O.O. with responsibility for the retail and wholesale performance of Prada, Miu Miu and Car Shoe and a seat on the board. Industry watchers say its another sign the company is heading for an IPO. Blake was a favorite of Domenico de Sole and worked with him from the beginning. He also had a short stint as President and C.O.O. of Burberry in 2004-2005. He left for personal reasons. He joins another De Sole-era executive at Prada, Tomaso Galli who is now the head of communications for the group. An IPO is just one of many options open to Prada in this cash-rich era. I'm not so sure Bertelli, the chairman of Prada Group and husband of designer Miuccia Prada, wants the stress of running a public company. But, hey, watch this space.