Niels Anders Juul to start in June
Surfwear brand Hot Tuna has appointed US clothing brand Von Dutch managing director Niels Anders Juul as chief executive officer with effect from June 1.

The company said: 'His knowledge of the global retail markets will be integral to Hot Tuna's future development.' At Von Dutch, he increased global sales of adult clothing from US$5 million to US$50 million [£2.5 million to£25 million] in three years, helping to establish the iconic US company as an international brand.

Hot Tuna executive chairman Ranjit Murugason said: 'The phenomenal success he achieved during his time at Von Dutch, and his experience of the industry promises to significantly strengthen Hot Tuna's senior management team.'

Juul said: 'I see an exciting opportunity to boost the presence of a label that dares to be different and is as cutting edge as it was in its original form, back in Australia in 1969.'

Richard Ratner, analyst at Hot Tuna's house broker Seymour Pierce, said: 'This is a very good appointment for Hot Tuna and follows recent news of major orders.'

The surf brand is to open its first London flagship store this year, as it moves into retail following its AIM float in 2005.

Hot Tuna has headquarters in the UK, USA, and the brand's homeland of Australia.

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