Perry Ellis hires new MD

Perry Ellis owns the Farah brand

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Perry Ellis International has appointed David Ward as managing director of its European business with immediate effect.

Ward joins Perry Ellis Europe from Fred Perry where he was global sales director. He replaces managing director Peter Abbiss who is retiring after nine years at the firm.

Perry Ellis owns trouser brand Farah and casualwear brand Original Penguin.

Ward said: "This is part of a longer-term integration process, developing Perry Ellis Europe into a multi-stringed business with a spread of brands. Original Penguin and Farah are both well established; we want to strengthen these brands whilst developing others within the UK and Europe."

Ward has also held key positions at Quiksilver and Oakley during his career.

George Feldenkreis, Perry Ellis chairman and chief executive, said: "At Perry Ellis International, we see enormous potential in the European market and anticipate the expansion of our leading portfolio of brands onto the continent."