Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) today announced Andreas Kurz has joined the Company in a newly created position as Division President, International Licensing. Mr. Kurz will be responsible for managing Polo Ralph Lauren's licensed businesses in Japan, Far East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South and Central America. In his role, Mr. Kurz will continue to build upon the momentum created with the acquisition of the Japanese license, which represents the largest Polo Ralph Lauren business outside of the United States. Mr. Kurz will report to Doug Williams, Group President.
Since January 2000, Mr. Kurz held the position of CEO at Diesel USA, the largest subsidiary of Diesel SpA. Prior to that, Mr. Kurz held numerous senior positions at Hugo Boss AG including President and CEO of Hugo Boss USA from 1996 to 1998. During his 13-year tenure at Hugo Boss, Mr. Kurz also directed the international sales in 84 markets including Far East Asia and Japan. Prior to that, Mr. Kurz was based in Tokyo, Japan where he took part in an 18-month training program for European executives to study the language, economy and culture and subsequently was the International Sales Director for the Television Corporation of Japan.