Ex-Victoria's Secret exec joins Bill Blass

NEW YORK Former Victoria's Secret Direct evp, Ann Acierno, has been named ceo of Bill Blass New York. Acierno has also served as president of new business development at Tommy Hilfiger, where she successfully conceived and launched Karl Lagerfeld as a global multi-channel luxury brand and H Hilfiger, a U.S. vertical retail specialty store.

"Ann has a proven track record leading high-growth businesses, extensive experience developing and enhancing world-class brands and an acute fashion sense that has enabled her to identify new opportunities that resonate with today's consumers," said Jeff Feinberg, a managing director and partner at Angelo Gordon & Co., owners of Bill Blass New York. "As Bill Blass New York redefines the apparel industry by marrying a direct sales business model with an iconic luxury brand, she will be instrumental in expanding our operations through the addition of new sales consultants and continuing to define and enhance the Bill Blass brand as it is embraced by a new generation of sophisticated women."

Earlier in her career, Acierno was a senior vp at Saks Fifth Avenue, where she reorganized the brand's Folio catalog division, expanding the business and significantly increasing market share. She has also held senior positions at Estee Lauder Online, Popular Club, a division of J. Crew, and Henri Bendel.