Ralph Lauren’s former president of global brands to lead Bonpoint and J.M. Weston

High-profile ecexs for the fashion business. Valérie Hermann, former former president of global brands of Ralph Lauren, has been tapped by private investment firm EPI to be managing director of its fashion and luxury division.

The executive, which will start her new role on January 8 and will also become a member of EPI’s executive committee, where she will work hand in hand with Christopher Descours, president of the Paris-based family holding, according to WWD.

“Hermann’s expertise in the luxury and fashion sector, her managerial experience and her knowledge of international markets are valuable assets in meeting our growth ambitions,” stated Christopher Descours.

Hermann has a long career in the fashion sector. She joined Ralph Lauren in 2014 and prior to that she was president and chief executive officer of Reed Krakoff and chief executive officer of Yves Saint Laurent.

EPI is a private investment firm that has been coming closer to the fashion sector after the acquisition of Bonpoint in 2007. The firm also owns French bootmaker F. Pinet, the Champagne houses Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck, and the wine makers Biondi-Santi, Château La Verrerie and Tardieu-Laurent.