New King Cole

Paul Blum, coo of Kenneth Cole Productions (New York) since 1998, has been promoted to the position of president. He will oversee various operating entities including wholesale, licensing and international, as well as marketing and consumer direct, reporting directly to chairman, ceo and chief creative director Kenneth Cole.

Blum has been with Cole for 12 years, in a variety of roles. Previously, he was a principal in an accessories firm, originally the first Kenneth Cole licensed business, subsequently acquired outright by Kenneth Cole Productions in 1990.

“Paul Blum's exceptional leadership qualities and 12 year experience at Kenneth Cole Productions make him the perfect choice for this pivotal role,” Cole said. “Paul has helped bring the company to where it is today and I know he will be an important part of taking Kenneth Cole Productions to the next level. I have every confidence in Paul's abilities to further our growth and expansion,”

The company, a designer, marketer, wholesaler and retailer of footwear, handbags, branded apparel and accessories, will be launching kidswear and fragrance lines in the fall.