By Cristina Roca

Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA has appointed Philippe Fortunato to lead its fashion and accessories business, the company confirmed to The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday following media reports.

Mr. Fortunato's last job was chief executive of French luxury brand Givenchy, which is controlled by Richemont's competitor LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE.

Mr. Fortunato will now be chief executive of the Swiss luxury group's soft-luxury business, which includes the Chloe and Alaia fashion brands.

Richemont said the appointment is effective Sept. 1.

Mr. Fortunato replaces Eric Vallat, who left the company last year to take the CEO role at Remy Cointreau SA. 



  Write to Cristina Roca at cristina.roca@dowjones.com; @_cristinaroca